Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

The Gathering Friendly Guest Caller is a caring volunteer who helps connect with our neighbors before meal night through friendly phone calls, meal reminders, wellness check-ins, and delivery confirmations. This role helps guests feel welcomed, remembered, and valued while building meaningful community connections across Cass County.

Friendly Guest Callers may contact guests to confirm delivery information, share meal details, check on seniors or homebound neighbors, answer basic questions, or simply provide a warm and encouraging conversation. Volunteers help create a personal connection that reminds our neighbors they are not alone.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys talking with people, spreading kindness, listening with compassion, and helping others feel comfortable and cared for.

Volunteer Duties May Include

Volunteer Skills

What We Love About This Role

Friendly Guest Callers help bring comfort, connection, and kindness beyond the meal itself. A simple phone call can brighten someone’s day and remind our neighbors that The Gathering community truly cares.

No charge. No questions. Just kindness

Help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our neighbors at The Gathering Free Community Meals in Atlantic.

As a Dining Guest Host, you are one of the first friendly faces guests see when they arrive. This role helps make everyone feel comfortable, respected, and valued during meal night.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer Time:

Typically Mondays from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (every other Monday meal nights)

What We’re Looking For:

No experience needed — just a caring heart and a welcoming smile.

The Gathering Mission:
“No charge. No questions. Just kindness.”

The Gathering Cook helps lead the preparation of warm, nutritious meals for our neighbors throughout Cass County at The United Church of Christ located at 1607 Hazel St Atlantic, IA.

This volunteer role is essential in creating comforting homemade meals served through dine-in, carry-out, and delivery at The Gathering Free Community Meals in Iowa.

Our cooks do more than prepare food — they help serve kindness, dignity, and hope to every guest who walks through the doors.

Volunteer Duties:

Skills & Qualities:

Volunteer Time:

Typically Mondays from 9:00 AM – Close during every other Monday meal nights. Flexible help is always appreciated.

Why This Role Matters:

The meals prepared by our cooks bring comfort and connection to seniors, families, and neighbors across Cass County. Every plate served reminds someone they are cared for and not alone.

The Gathering Mission:
“No charge. No questions. Just kindness.”

It takes a team of caring hands to serve our Cass County neighbors. Join us in making a difference—one meal at a time.

No experience needed. Just a heart to serve.

For more information, please contact your RSVP Volunteer Coordinator at

515-979-4512 or christina.bettini@volunteeriowa.org

The Gathering provides meal deliveries from The United Church of Christ (UCC) every other Monday to anyone who is in need of a meal.

Duties:

● Pick Up meals from The United Church of Christ (UCC) South (side) door at 1607 Hazel St. Atlantic, IA

● Load meals into vehicle and deliver meals to the clients provided

● Complete Transportation Log & amp; Reimbursement Request

Skills required:

● Must be 55 years of age or older.

● Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs (weight of the box when full of meals)

● Able to walk meals from car to the house of each individual receiving meals

Amount of Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

Time of Day: Starts between 4 & 5pm, every other Monday

Benefits:

● Opportunity to provide a critical, direct service to residents in the community

● Develop lasting relationships with other The Gathering volunteers

● Mileage reimbursement ($0.50/mile) available

● Supplemental life and accident insurance while volunteering (see brochure)

For more information, please contact your RSVP Volunteer Coordinator at

515-979-4512 or christina.bettini@volunteeriowa.org

Program Description:  The RSVP Pen Pal Program provides students, typically in grades 3, 4, or 5, an opportunity for building intergenerational relationships while strengthening their social-emotional skills through letter writing with an RSVP volunteer Pen Pal.

Duties include:

·      Attend the Pen Pal Kickoff and Match meeting in the fall.

·      Complete an All About Me profile form to introduce yourself to the student.

·      Write letters to the Pen Pal(s) from September to April/May.

·      Mail each letter to the teacher within a week of receiving the student’s letter. Letters come about once a month.

·      Attend the Pen Pal Meet & Greet party at your student’s school.

Amount of time: Pen Pals usually spend about a half hour to an hour writing each letter.

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

·      Please mail letters on time – a late letter will cause a delay for the whole classroom.

·      If you are unable to send a letter as scheduled, notify the RSVP office as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

·      Do not share your contact information or have contact with students outside of the Pen Pal program.

·      Serve as a role model; offer a positive attitude and nurturing influence in your letters.

·      Maintain confidentiality – do not use your student's last name when talking to others.

·      Communicate any concerns and/or questions about your Pen Pal or the program to the RSVP office.

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

Program Description:  The RSVP Pen Pal Program provides students, typically in grades 3, 4, or 5, an opportunity for building intergenerational relationships while strengthening their social-emotional skills through letter writing with an RSVP volunteer Pen Pal.

Duties include:

·      Attend the Pen Pal Kickoff and Match meeting in the fall.

·      Complete an All About Me profile form to introduce yourself to the student.

·      Write letters to the Pen Pal(s) from September to April/May.

·      Mail each letter to the teacher within a week of receiving the student’s letter. Letters come about once a month.

·      Attend the Pen Pal Meet & Greet party at your student’s school.

Amount of time: Pen Pals usually spend about a half hour to an hour writing each letter.

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

·      Please mail letters on time – a late letter will cause a delay for the whole classroom.

·      If you are unable to send a letter as scheduled, notify the RSVP office as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

·      Do not share your contact information or have contact with students outside of the Pen Pal program.

·      Serve as a role model; offer a positive attitude and nurturing influence in your letters.

·      Maintain confidentiality – do not use your student's last name when talking to others.

·      Communicate any concerns and/or questions about your Pen Pal or the program to the RSVP office.

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

Volunteer by writing monthly letters with a third-grade grade student to promote writing skills and social engagement. At the end of the program in April you will have the opportunity to meet the student you exchanged letters with at a meet and greet.  Very rewarding opportunity to connect with a younger generation.

Looking for a joyful way to make a difference?  Love sharing stories, wisdom, and kindness?

We’re inviting volunteers age 55 and older to join our Pen Pal Program and write to wonderful 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who are excited to receive real letters from real friends.

All you need is a willing heart, a few minutes, and the joy of putting pen to paper. Your letters can inspire confidence, spark creativity, and brighten a child’s month.

Why become a Pen Pal?
• It’s meaningful and fun
• Kids LOVE receiving letters
• You’ll be a positive role model
• It’s a great way to share experiences, hobbies, and encouragement

Whether you enjoy telling short stories, sharing life lessons, doodling in the margins, or simply writing a friendly hello, your words will make a lasting impact.

Ready to bring smiles, spark imagination, and create a friendship across generations?

Program Description:  The RSVP Pen Pal Program provides students, typically in grades 3, 4, or 5, an opportunity for building intergenerational relationships while strengthening their social-emotional skills through letter writing with an RSVP volunteer Pen Pal.

Duties include:

·      Attend the Pen Pal Kickoff and Match meeting in the fall.

·      Complete an All About Me profile form to introduce yourself to the student.

·      Write letters to the Pen Pal(s) from October to April/May.

·      Mail each letter to the teacher within a week of receiving the student’s letter. Letters come about once a month.

·      Attend the Pen Pal Meet & Greet party at your student’s school.

Amount of time: Pen Pals usually spend about a half hour to an hour writing each letter.

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

·      Please mail letters on time – a late letter will cause a delay for the whole classroom.

·      If you are unable to send a letter as scheduled, notify the RSVP office as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

·      Do not share your contact information or have contact with students outside of the Pen Pal program.

·      Serve as a role model; offer a positive attitude and nurturing influence in your letters.

·      Maintain confidentiality – do not use your student's last name when talking to others.

·      Communicate any concerns and/or questions about your Pen Pal or the program to the RSVP office.

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

Looking for a joyful way to make a difference?  Love sharing stories, wisdom, and kindness?

We’re inviting volunteers age 55 and older to join our Pen Pal Program and write to wonderful 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who are excited to receive real letters from real friends.

All you need is a willing heart, a few minutes, and the joy of putting pen to paper. Your letters can inspire confidence, spark creativity, and brighten a child’s month.

Why become a Pen Pal?
• It’s meaningful and fun
• Kids LOVE receiving letters
• You’ll be a positive role model
• It’s a great way to share experiences, hobbies, and encouragement

Whether you enjoy telling short stories, sharing life lessons, doodling in the margins, or simply writing a friendly hello, your words will make a lasting impact.

Ready to bring smiles, spark imagination, and create a friendship across generations?

Looking for a joyful way to make a difference?  Love sharing stories, wisdom, and kindness?

We’re inviting volunteers age 55 and older to join our Pen Pal Program and write to wonderful 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who are excited to receive real letters from real friends.

All you need is a willing heart, a few minutes, and the joy of putting pen to paper. Your letters can inspire confidence, spark creativity, and brighten a child’s month.

Why become a Pen Pal?
• It’s meaningful and fun
• Kids LOVE receiving letters
• You’ll be a positive role model
• It’s a great way to share experiences, hobbies, and encouragement

Whether you enjoy telling short stories, sharing life lessons, doodling in the margins, or simply writing a friendly hello, your words will make a lasting impact.

Ready to bring smiles, spark imagination, and create a friendship across generations?

Program Description:  The RSVP Pen Pal Program provides students, typically in grades 3, 4, or 5, an opportunity for building intergenerational relationships while strengthening their social-emotional skills through letter writing with an RSVP volunteer Pen Pal.

Duties include:

·      Attend the Pen Pal Kickoff and Match meeting in the fall.

·      Complete an All About Me profile form to introduce yourself to the student.

·      Write letters to the Pen Pal(s) from October to April/May.

·      Mail each letter to the teacher within a week of receiving the student’s letter. Letters come about once a month.

·      Attend the Pen Pal Meet & Greet party at your student’s school.

Amount of time: Pen Pals usually spend about a half hour to an hour writing each letter.

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

·      Please mail letters on time – a late letter will cause a delay for the whole classroom.

·      If you are unable to send a letter as scheduled, notify the RSVP office as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

·      Do not share your contact information or have contact with students outside of the Pen Pal program.

·      Serve as a role model; offer a positive attitude and nurturing influence in your letters.

·      Maintain confidentiality – do not use your student's last name when talking to others.

·      Communicate any concerns and/or questions about your Pen Pal or the program to the RSVP office.

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

Join the Grinnell Historical Museum Team! Volunteer Opportunities Await!

Are you passionate about history and community engagement? The Grinnell Historical Museum is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring the stories of Grinnell to life! Whether you love interacting with visitors, diving into research, or helping with exhibits, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities for you!

Opportunities Available:

·       Front Desk Assistants: Be the friendly face that welcomes visitors and provides them with information about our exhibits and events.

·       Research Assistants: Help uncover Grinnell's rich history through research, archiving, and organizing historical materials.

·       Exhibit Helpers: Assist in the setup and maintenance of exhibits, making sure our displays are engaging and informative.

·       Special Events Coordinators: Get hands-on experience planning and executing events that bring the community together.

Training Provided: Don’t worry if you’re new to museums! We offer training for all volunteers, ensuring you feel confident in your role.

Flexible Options:  Some volunteer tasks can be done remotely, making it easier than ever to get involved, no matter your schedule!

Why Volunteer with Us?

·       Gain valuable hands-on experience in museum operations and public engagement.

·       Learn about Grinnell’s history and heritage while sharing it with others.

·       Develop new skills and expand your professional network within the community.

If you have a knack for listening, problem-solving, and a desire to make a difference, we’d love to have you on our team! Join us in preserving the past and engaging with our vibrant community. Ready to make history? Contact ashley.sorensen@volunteeriowa.org today to learn more about how you can get involved!

Join Mayflower Community as a Volunteer!

Are you ready to make a difference and bring joy to others? Mayflower is thrilled to invite you to be a part of our vibrant community as a volunteer! We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who can share their time, talents, ideas, and energy to help enhance the lives of our residents.

Who Are We? Mayflower is more than just a senior residential community; we’re a place where dignity and worth are celebrated. Our campus offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing long-term care facilities, all designed to meet the ongoing and emerging needs of our residents.

Why Volunteer with Us?  Volunteers play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission and strategic goals. By joining our team, you’ll not only support our residents but also become part of a caring and welcoming environment.

What Can You Do?

·       Lead Games and Crafts -Unleash your creativity and bring fun activities to life!

·       Become a Walking Buddy- Help residents with limited mobility participate in campus events and explore the community.

·       Share Your Skills-  Have a special talent?  Whether it’s music, art, or storytelling, we’d love for you to lead an activity!

Flexible Commitment: We understand that life is busy, so we offer flexible volunteering opportunities! While there are specific events with designated times, we’re happy to work around your schedule.

If you’re ready to make an impact and bring smiles to our residents, we would love to hear from you. Join us in creating a joyful, caring, and wellness-focused community at Mayflower!  For more information or to get involved, contact ashley.sorensen@volunteeriowa.org  

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans? We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to help transport patients to and from critical medical appointments.

What’s Involved? As a Medical Appointment Driver, you'll be responsible for driving veterans from their homes to their scheduled medical appointments and back. Your support can make a world of difference for those who have served our country.

Flexible Commitment: Volunteer once a week, once a month, or whatever fits your schedule! - Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or can make a regular commitment, your help is invaluable.

Benefits:  Mileage reimbursement may be available to volunteers using their personal vehicles.  Be part of a rewarding experience that connects you with the community and helps our heroes get the care they need.

Ready to Get Started? Join us in making a difference! Contact Ashley.sorensen@volunteeriowa.orgfor more information. Your time and effort can help ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve!

Are you 55 or better looking to make a difference in your community?

Food Pantry is looking for an individual to help prepare food orders.  Orders come in all through out the day and a volunteer would be very much appreciated to help pre-bag some orders based on family size, and help stock the pantry.  Flexible hours. Must be able to lift 20-25 lbs.

Would be preferred if the volunteer would have a set day or time they would come in to help.  This would be a great job for a couple of friends to do together.  Being self directed would be a plus.  Location of the pantry is at Community Action Agency.  

Thank you for looking at this opportunity, please email Kim if any additional questions.  Kim.DeWitt@volunteeriowa.org