Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

Each day donations are brought into the Emergency Shelter. All donations, including clothing, hygiene products and household items, need to be sorted and organized. This allows staff to be able to easily find and distribute items to community members. We ask that interested volunteers commit to at least a 2-hour shift for this position. Flexible shifts are available Monday-Sunday 8am-10pm.

Shifts are available Monday – Friday between 6am – 10pm, starting at the following times: 6am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 10am. Duties include answering phones and directing calls, explaining programs and services to new clients and community members over the phone or in person, doing laundry, receiving and sorting in-kind donations, and organizing storage area. This position works closely with our Shelter Coordinators. 2-3-hour shifts are recommended.

Calling those who like to build, tinker, fix things and work on projects: bring your talents to Table to Table! We're seeking someone who can help with various "handy" projects around our office and warehouse as needs arise.

Requirements:

Orientation or training

Background check

The Salvation Army needs your help with our Food Pantry & Doing the Most Good Market from 12:30 to 3:30. Our Pantry is open Monday - Friday. You can choose one day or multiple days to volunteer. 

Your role is to prepackage the food for our guests. This will include bending, lifting and walking to accomplish this role. When/if there is a lull, you can help in other areas like stocking shelves, cleaning up the spaces, etc.

If you are interested, please call The Salvation Army of Story County at 515-233-3567 or email Lori.Stern@usc.salvationarmy.org

Administrative volunteers are responsible for helping our staff with the little things, so they can focus on the bigger picture -- helping our clients! Willis Dady is looking for administrative volunteers to help with data entry and/or audit files .

Qualifications include accuracy and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Girls Inc. is seeking caring volunteers who are passionate about helping young girls succeed academically.  Volunteers will be assisting in the tutoring center during the Girls Inc. summer program, helping girls with literacy and/or math.  Typically working one-on-one, volunteers will not only help girls prevent summer learning loss, but help catch up those who may be a bit behind.  Truly life changing volunteer work.

Schedules are flexible (normally sometime between the hours of 10am and 3pm).  Have an hour free per week?  Two maybe?  Respond here so that we can work with you to find a schedule that works.

Volunteers are needed June 1 through July 1, and then again July 11 through August 12.

We are looking for new volunteers to assist with our Therapeutic riding classes in the evening. Our Next Volunteer Orientation will be held here at the riding center on March 11th at 6pm. Please visit our website for more info www.scstars.org

In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Fundraising Committee oversees development efforts and fundraising.

Duties and Accountabilities

Responsible for the overall fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate tactics such as special events, direct mail, sponsorships, etc. Special events may be in partnership with the Community Engagement Committee.

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking for volunteers who can drive our van to pick up Genesis Youth Foundation kids from their homes, and bring them to either practice and/or programming. A license is required to fulfill this role and experience driving a van is desired, but not required.

Programming and practice run Monday through Friday from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Please provide Genesis with what days of the week work best for you to drive, and we will try to coordinate with you! If you cannot make a day during the week, Genesis Youth Foundation also has soccer games (during Spring and Fall seasons) on the weekend that you can help out with!

The van driver receives a list of Genesis kids' homes that are attending soccer or programming before heading onto their route, and those same children will be on the list to drop off after programming/soccer. The van driver should leave around 4:00pm to pick up all the kids, and make it to the center/field for 5:20pm at the latest. Practice or programming ends at 7:30pm - so the van driver would need to arrive at the center/field at 7:30pm to bring the kids home. 

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking for volunteers who are interested in coaching or helping to coach our youth soccer teams! The coaching position involves showing up and running 1 practice a week, and leading the team in a game(s) on the weekend. You will be a leader for the players, and are expected to endorse sportsmanship, fair play, and full participation in the sport. As a coach you will need to plan and supervise games and practices - and if you are working with another coach, keep constant communication with them about the team.

An understanding of soccer as a sport is desired. Practices are usually held from 5:30pm-7:30pm on various days of the week (depending on the team), and games vary on the weekend due to schedules provided by ISL. If you cannot commit to a full time coach, please reach out and ask about an assistant coach! 

Genesis Youth Foundation is searching for a volunteer who is able to help manage and coordinate the ins-and-outs of our youth soccer team(s). The team manager position is essentially the link between the coach, players, parents and Genesis FC. A manager needs to be competent in handling communication between multiple groups of people - the families, players, coaches, Genesis FC and Iowa Soccer League. Communication skills are very important for a manager! This role also helps maintain all information/records relating to each player/family - this can include player cards, roster information, registration information, phone numbers, etc. Managers will also need to help with team registrations for events and help with distribution of uniforms/equipment to players.

The team manager role is the second most time consuming position on the soccer team, right after the coach. It is understandable that this position requires a lot of time and organization. If you want to help Genesis with some of these tasks, but cannot complete all of them - please reach out and we can try to work together for a task list that best suits your needs. Also please note that you would be the team manager of just one team, not all of them.

Veterans can form a special bond with patients that have also served. We offer opportunities for companionship and to take part in honoring ceremonies. Veterans can provide assistance to patients with navigating paperwork associated with VA benefits 

We are looking for a supportive, compassionate individual who is a good listener. This individual could play cards, sing, play music, do puzzles, read, talk and/or help in the office. Volunteers make their own schedules and can serve as little as 1 hour a month. Volunteers make a difference in our patient's life.

We are starting a new project and are looking for people who enjoy sewing.

At Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity volunteers work with our staff members in the community to help people stay safe and comfortable in their homes through our Rock the Block home repair program. Rock the Block is in need of volunteers Wednesday - Fridays from 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. with lunch on your own from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Rock the Block is a housing outreach program that assists low-income residents with:

No experience is needed, our construction managers teach you all the skills you need to get the job done. This program allows residents in the Greater Des Moines area to stay in their homes, age in place, have safe accessibility and to have great pride in their homes. 

Volunteer group sizes are limited to 7-8 volunteers per site. All volunteers must wear designated PPE including face masks. Volunteers must be 16 and up to participate. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (age 21 +) and must bring a waiver with parent or guardian signature. To sign up for Rock the Block, please visit our website http://gdmhabitat.org/rtb-volunteers/ 

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking to add volunteers to the Ubuntu Technology Program. In Ubuntu Tech., our students are engaged in STEM topics through specific programs including Project Lead the Way: Medical Detectives, FIRST LEGO League: Explore & Challenge teams, and Digital Arts program.

We are looking for volunteers willing to each of the individual programs. Medical Detectives is on Monday & Thursday, FIRST LEGO League Explore is on Tuesday & Challenge is on Thursday, and our digital arts program runs on Tuesday & Thursday.

Our programs typically operate on a weekly basis from 1 - 3 hours, depending on the program. Our standard hours are Monday - Friday from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

If you are willing to help to level the playing field, there is a place for you at GYF. 

A donation receiver will process donations of clothes, toys and small household items to assess for suitability for our clients. 

Are you a person with a disability who wants to get involved and make a difference? Do you have a family member with a disability or do you work to improve life for people with disabilities? If so, please consider applying for the Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC). 

The Iowa SILC is seeking new members 18 and over to fill vacancies for terms beginning July 1, 2022.  The Council seeks to maintain diversity of representation including disability, age, ethnicity, and life experiences.  All appointments to the Council will be appointed by the Governor. 

What is the Iowa SILC?

The Iowa SILC is a federally mandated council that works closely with its partners to develop a Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).  The SPIL (or state plan) serves as a guide that includes the activities planned by the state to achieve its independent living objectives.

What is the time commitment?

Council members are expected to attend 6 meetings a year, virtually or in person.  Meetings last approximately 3 hours each and are typically held on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.  They are also expected to participate in one SILC committee. Total time commitment is around 50 hours a year.

How to apply:

If you or someone you know would like to apply for membership on the Council, please apply online by April 24, 2022.  We welcome you to share this notice with as many individuals as you wish.  This information is also available on the Iowa SILC website and the Iowa SILC Facebook Page.

This process can be lengthy and new members are not always appointed before the terms begin in July.  We appreciate your patience.  If you have questions or need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact us.

A translator translates documents and websites, assists with Limited English Proficiency clients and meets necessary deadlines. The volunteer should have the ability to translate English to a different language an pass a bilingual fluency text. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

An intern interviews and advises clients, organizes files, conducts legal research, drafts papers, and conducts court hearings. The volunteer should have attended an accredited law school, have good organizational and legal skills and an ability to use computers. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

A paralegal intern drafts letters, makes phone calls, assists attorneys with case preparation, maintains case notes, conducts legal research and copies documents. The volunteer should have an ability to maintain confidentiality and have completed some paralegal coursework. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

a self-help clinic assistant helps clients with divorce forms, manages case files, and develops new materials to assist clinic volunteers. They need to be able to maintain confidentiality and have a familiarity with computers. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

A website reviewer looks over the Iowa Legal Aid website to help maintain our accessibility standards. The volunteer highlights information that is not readily available. The volunteer should have familiarity with computers and how to use Website Review documents. Spelling and punctuation also need to be a priority. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

If anyone would like a meaningful, dynamic, and professional volunteer opportunity, they should consider volunteering for Iowa Legal Aid's Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. They assist with preparation of past due returns or amending returns; audits, audit reconsiderations, appeals, or seeking collection alternatives; and providing client with basic recordkeeping tops and pointers to assist client in being more successful going forward. The volunteers should be certified public accountants and maintain confidentiality. The time commitment will depend on the volunteer's availability and Iowa Legal Aid's needs. 

We are in need of volunteers to assist with answering telephone calls, light house cleaning, and gardening at Serenity House. We also utilize volunteers to sit with patients when needed, in cases when no family is present or available. These volunteers may read to the patient, pray, talk, or just sit quietly so the patient is not alone. 

Mahaska Heath volunteers follow the same hiring process as Mahaska Health employees, including a physical, required vaccinations, background checks, and annual safety training. Mahaska Health volunteers that assist with Hospice patients and families much also complete Hospice training. 

Volunteers can help with celebrations, reading with students, helping classroom teachers prepare materials, tutoring students in reading and math, or visiting during breakfast or lunch.

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION: Construction Site Supervisor
SUPERVISOR: Ben Kantner, Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities (HFHQC) Construction
Director
PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT: Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, a non-profit
organization, believes in building strength, stability, and self-reliance through safe and
affordable housing to improve the homes and lives of low-income residents in Scott County
Iowa and Rock Island County Illinois.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: HFHQC needs volunteers to commit to volunteering on a
regular basis to lead other volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. Leaders are needed for new
construction and/or repair work.
Typical tasks in new construction include framing, installing windows, doors, and siding,
insulating, hanging drywall, painting, finish work, and landscaping. Construction leaders arrive
early to the job site to prep for the work day, they give a safety briefing and assign jobs when
the other volunteers arrive, and then they fill in where needed. When the work day is done,
they are the last to leave and they close the job site down. Additionally, they communicate
with the HFHQC Construction Director before and after each volunteer shift to aid in planning
and coordination.
For repair work, typical projects include aging in place modifications like bathroom remodels
and accessibility ramps, critical repairs like porch rebuilds and window replacement, and
beautification projects like fence painting and yard cleanup. All major electrical, plumbing, and
HVAC work is completed by sub-contractors. Construction leaders arrive early to the job site to
prep for the work day, they give a safety briefing and assign jobs when the other volunteers
arrive, and then they fill in where needed. When the work day is done, they are the last to leave
and they close the job site down. Additionally, they communicate with the HFHQC
Construction Coordinator before and after each volunteer shift to aid in planning and
coordination.
Successful site supervisors enjoy teaching and working with diverse groups of people.
TIME COMMITMENT: The minimum commitment is 8 hours per week plus a 1 hour
construction committee meeting each month.
Our new construction build sites are normally open 2 days per week (Saturdays and a
weekday), sometimes more in the summer. Our most dedicated supervisors volunteer 15-30
hours per week. On average, our houses take 8-10 months to complete. As this is a lengthy
time commitment, we typically pair up site supervisors to allow for time off when needed. We
are closed on holiday weekends.
For our repair program, we ask that supervisors commit to completing an entire project. At any
given time, we have multiple repair projects underway. Project duration can range from one
day to several weeks.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in construction preferred. Site supervisors do not have to
be an expert in every area of construction. A commitment to creating a safe working
environment where everyone is welcome is key.
TRAINING AND PREPERATION REQUIRED: All new volunteers must attend an
orientation. These are held twice each month. We ask that all prospective site supervisors work
with a seasoned supervisor until they are ready to lead a project on their own. Additionally,
volunteer leaders must agree to a yearly background check.
BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER: Construction Site Supervisors make an incredible
difference in our community. Since 1993, we have built homes for 120 families in the Quad
Cities. In 2021, we completed 5 new houses, 20 repair projects and 22 ramps! Besides being a
place to make a difference, HFHQC jobsites are a great place to make new friends and have
fun!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO COME CHECK US OUT: Please contact
Rebecca Ludin, Volunteer Coordinator, to sign up for an orientation:
Rebecca.Ludin@habitatqc.org or (563)359-9066.
We invite you to come volunteer with us to see if the fit is right for you!

RSVP assists with the Community Garden during the spring and summer. We also utilize volunteers for mailings for the Symphony and Chamber of Commerce, and other short term opportunities that may come up. 

Opportunity to volunteer at the Quarter Maybe More Store on Jefferson Street in Mount Pleasant. The store supports the operations of The Fellowship Cup. Volunteers would be responsible for assisting with store organization, sorting donations, and other support positions. 

Assist with food distribution at The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry on Thursday's, organizing donations as needed, and/or helping to deliver food to homebound individuals. 

Volunteers visit local elementary schools and read with children. Most volunteers contribute an hour or two once a week. Opportunities are available at Harlan, Lincoln, Salem, and Van Allen schools in the Mount Pleasant area. 

If disaster strikes in Muscatine County and individuals and families find themselves in need of a safe place to stay, you will provide them shelter, food and most importantly, comfort through the crisis until they can get back home or start rebuilding.  The Red Cross offers extensive free training and support to make sure you are ready to help in a time of need.  If the disaster is larger, we will send more helpers to work alongside with you! People who are fully qualified to volunteer in local shelters can also choose to deploy to larger national disasters if they're interested.  All travel expenses are covered by the American Red Cross.  

The Red Cross currently requires all volunteers who will be performing in-person work to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.  Shelters are always operated in person. 

The location?  The nearest local partner in Muscatine who has generously offered their church, school, or other facility as an emergency shelter.  It may even be where you worship or where your kids go to school.  

To learn more or get started on your application and training, please contact Connie at 309-207-5266 or email connie.dudgeon@redcross.org.  

The American Red Cross responds to home fires across the country every day, and we have responded to multiple fires in Muscatine County in the last six months.  When a tragic home fire happens, the fire department is the first responder:  they come to deal with the fire.  They are there to save your life and try to save your home.  The American Red Cross and our local partners are the second responders:  we respond to YOU.  We are there to comfort you, make sure you have a safe place to sleep, get you through the immediate crisis and then we continue to provide ongoing resources and aid as you rebuild your life.  The local home fire response team, also called the Disaster Action Team, is made up of 2-3 local volunteers who respond to the call when a fire is reported to the Red Cross.  This could happen at any time.  We provide free online training and support and we have a network of other volunteers to help each other.  The more volunteers are available in Muscatine County, the faster we can respond to a local family in need.  

If you are caring, compassionate, and action-oriented, this is a great volunteer opportunity for you!  You will be the best thing that happens on the worst day of a neighbor's life.  They'll never forget that you showed up to provide help and hope.   

The Red Cross currently requires all volunteers who perform in-person tasks to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.  Our home fire responders show up in person.  However, there are some important support roles that can be performed virtually from your home phone and computer, and we are always grateful for our virtual volunteers too.  So whatever your own vaccination status, if you want to help, let us know!  We'd love to have you join us. 

If you are interested in learning more or ready to apply, please contact Connie at 309-207-5266 or email connie.dudgeon@redcross.org. 

Assist warehouse associates with collection of materials from donors or pick ups of materials from businesses and individuals.  Prepare materials for sale including sorting, re-assembly, pricing and display.  If you enjoy physical work or like to clean or sort items, this is an opportunity for you.  Wednesday through Friday mornings. Check our volunteer schedule to schedule an orientation.

Purpose/Objective:

The Board of Directors is the policy making and governing body of the non-profit trail advocacy organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Attend meetings (6 per year), Review and approve minutes, treasurer's reports and committee reports, Prepare and activate annual plans, Organize and carry out activities, Approve and monitor grants, Serve on at least 1 committee (currently Advocacy, Communications, Festivals, Grants, Membership, Safety & Education, Volunteer, and Water Trails), Participate in some of the organization's volunteer activities.

Qualifications:

Only prerequisites are support for the trail network and desire to serve.

Leadership Opportunity:

Opportunity to serve as officer (president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary), as committee chair (currently Advocacy, Communications, Festivals, Grants, Membership, Safety & Education, Volunteer, and Water Trails) or as the lead for a project or activity.

*Dates: Second Thursday of Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov.

Check out this short video interview with the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership to learn more about this opportunity!

Be a part of the team of a grassroots nonprofit by helping set up and maintain a Facebook page for Restore Independent Mobility (RIM). Also help with other marketing and computer duties as needed.

The Guest Service Representative role at the Science Center of Iowa is a vital role to the first impression a participant gets.  The Guest Service Representative will be stationed near the front doors to welcome participants to SCI, hand out a daily programs schedule, and direct participants to where they need to go. 

Duties:

Qualifications:

Expectations:

To assist visitors of the Fontana Park Nature Center.

Open and close the nature center; welcome and direct visitors; provide basic information about Nature Center displays; respond to questions; Answer phone calls and refer or take phone messages: report issues to the attention of regular staff or the volunteer coordinator; stocking brochures and restrooms; keep display areas in order; other duties as needed.

Volunteer greeters at the American Gothic House Center can carry out a variety of tasks, with their primary tasks being greeting visitors to the center.

Depending on ability and interest, volunteers can also help visitors dress up in costumes and take their pictures in front of the house. Some volunteers also help run the gift shop, assist with tours and field trips, or even help out at events.

This position is open to people of all ages and abilities. Volunteers must enjoy working with the public, and meeting new people from all around the world! All volunteers will always work with at least one staff member. Staff have primary responsibly for the operations of the center, with volunteers providing support to their comfort level. 

Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If you are interested in volunteering in order to earn hours for programs such as Silver Cord or volunteer programs run by your workplace, we are happy to accommodate for that! 

For more information on volunteering, or to get set up as a volunteer, please check out our website at americangothichouse.org/volunteer, or call or email our administrator at the center. 

We are looking for volunteers to assist our clients with English learning and basic computer skills. We also have other positions we can discuss about as our need is growing. Our learning center may have untraditional hours in order to give access to our working clients to be able to attend those learning sessions.

At EveryStep, volunteers play an important role in the organization's ability to live out its mission. Simply put, without our dedicated volunteers, EveryStep would not be able to provide care and support to thousands of patients, clients, families, and our own staff every year. EveryStep Hospice and our volunteers help those living with a serious illness make the best out of every day. 

Hospice volunteer opportunities include:

Are you interested in becoming a Hospice volunteer or learning more? Please follow this link to complete our online application and be connected with our Volunteer Coordinator. 

EveryStep Hospice Application - http://bttr.im/xsdfr 

We are searching for volunteers during out open hours. The cupboard is open Mondays 4:30-6:30, Wednesdays/Fridays 10:00-noon and Tuesdays/Fridays at noon. If weather is inclement enough to close schools, the cupboard is also closed. 

Our needs are as listed:

Students or children are more than welcome to help under supervision of teacher/parent/adult. 

Please contact The Ecumenical Cupboard directly with questions or inquiries. 

(641)676-4031

The Family Crisis Center is in need of a "handyman" to perform certain duties in our safe units. 

The volunteer would help do minor fixing in safe unit such as, painting, plumbing, etc. as needed. 

Volunteers must be 18 years or older, pass a background check, and willing to maintain confidentiality. 

This is the perfect way for someone to get involved who doesn’t have any extra time to give. Add laundry detergent to your list and pick it up when you’re out shopping. You can drop it off to Willis Dady when you’re already out and about. Do your shopping online instead? Have it shipped to the shelter! We prefer laundry pods but appreciate liquid and powder forms too!

Why laundry detergent?
We offer free laundry facilities to our clients both in shelter and working with other case managers. Many clients don't have the means to buy laundry detergent themselves, so when we run out there isn't any more to give. This is why we need donors like you to help with this high-need item!

Key responsibilities include:
- Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about Willis Dady’s ongoing needs.
- Commit to purchasing paper towels to donate to Willis Dady on a regular basis.
- Purchase or have the donation shipped to Willis Dady.

Having a volunteer to monitor our laundry and help organize the clean items is a huge help towards making sure we have the necessary clothing and linens for our clients. This position also helps us to redistribute donations we cannot use to other agencies. These volunteers will put items into the washer and dryer, organize the donation areas (relevant to items being washed), communicate information to the staff, and coordinate with other agencies on donations we cannot take that they may be able to use. 

This is a flexible, on-call opportunity. 

This is the perfect way for someone to get involved who doesn’t have any extra time to give. Add paper towels to your list and pick them up when you’re out shopping. You can drop them off to Willis Dady when you’re already out and about. Do your shopping online instead? Have them shipped to the shelter!

Why paper towels?
Just like any home, our shelter goes through a lot of paper towels. Whether we use them for general cleaning or soaking up a spill, we find ourselves in a paper towel deficit. We need donors like you to help with this high-need item!

Key responsibilities include:
- Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about Willis Dady’s ongoing needs.
- Commit to purchasing paper towels to donate to Willis Dady on a regular basis. 
- Purchase or have the donation shipped to Willis Dady.

This is the perfect way for someone to get involved who doesn’t have any extra time to give. Add one of our high-need items to your list and pick it up when you’re out shopping. You can drop it off to Willis Dady when you’re already out and about. Do your shopping online instead? Have it shipped to the shelter!

Key responsibilities include:
- Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about Willis Dady’s ongoing needs.
- Commit to purchasing a high-need item to donate to Willis Dady on a regular basis. (Example items: paper towels, toilet paper, pillows, 13-gallon trash bags, 55-gallon trash bags, cases of water, laundry pods, razors)
- Purchase or have the donation shipped to Willis Dady.

This is a very flexible commitment! All we ask is to know how often you’ll be delivering the item you sign up for. It could be weekly, biweekly, or monthly. (Any other length of time will be considered a valuable donation but not recorded as a shopping volunteer.)

This is the perfect way for someone to get involved who doesn’t have any extra time to give. Add toilet paper to your list and pick it up when you’re out shopping. You can drop it off to Willis Dady when you’re already out and about. Do your shopping online instead? Have it shipped to the shelter!

Why toilet paper?
Just like any home, our shelter goes through a lot of toilet paper. However, not many donors think of bringing in toilet paper, so we find ourselves having to buy it ourselves. This takes away money that could be used for things like housing deposits or replacing a lost ID. We need donors like you to help with this high-need item!

Key responsibilities include:
- Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about Willis Dady’s ongoing needs.
- Commit to purchasing paper towels to donate to Willis Dady on a regular basis.
- Purchase or have the donation shipped to Willis Dady.

This is the perfect way for someone to get involved who doesn’t have any extra time to give. Add trash bags (either 10 or 55 gallons) to your list and pick them up when you’re out shopping. You can drop them off to Willis Dady when you’re already out and about. Do your shopping online instead? Have them shipped to the shelter!

Why trash bags?
Just like any home, our shelter goes through a lot of trash bags. The 10 gallon trash cans are found around our shelter and in individual offices. 55 gallon trash cans are in our client kitchens. However, not many donors think of bringing in trash bags, so we find ourselves having to buy them ourselves. This takes away money that could be used for things like housing deposits or replacing a lost ID. We need donors like you to help with this high-need item!

Key responsibilities include:
- Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about Willis Dady’s ongoing needs.
- Commit to purchasing paper towels to donate to Willis Dady on a regular basis.
- Purchase or have the donation shipped to Willis Dady.

We need your help delivering interoffice mail across our offices in Des Moines! Volunteers are needed each weekday for about 2 hours, and will drive from one location to the next (for a total of 5 offices) dropping off and picking up interoffice mail. 

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to instruct small classes or via an online platform, such as zoom. Individual groups will be 3-4 people as well as a support staff to assist. If you have a favorite talent or hobby, please feel free to come and share.  Some ideas include, but are not limited to; crafts, dancing, exercise, cooking, or even playing your chosen instrument.  We are always open to new ideas and learning experiences!

Members of the Event Leadership Team will help to plan, coordinate, and execute our 2022 Relay For Life event on June 17th. There are several ways interested members can contribute to the team including marketing, social media, logisitcs, fundraising, and more. Team meeting occur the first Tuesday of every month at 6pm. Meetings ARE NOT mandatory.

The mission of Relay For Life is to raise funds to improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their caretakers.

you are welcome to join at any time. If you join after June 17th, you will be part of the 2023 event planning committee

The Beyond Pink TEAM provides support groups, health education, a quarterly newsletter, and advocacy efforts to end breast cancer as well as financial assistance grants for breast cancer patients that live in Northeast Iowa. The Beyond Pink TEAM is unique because the organization is run solely by volunteers. Our committees are always looking for volunteers that are willing to give their time and expertise to our organization.  Whether volunteering for an ongoing need, or a one-time event, please look at the volunteer needs below and let us know if you would like to get involved!
​
Events

Advocacy

Support

Education

Development

Finance

Keep the FreeStore free by helping us restock and arrange household items in our warehouse. You can give your time just once or make it a weekly event Tuesday and/or Friday mornings from 9 am to noon. We need volunteers each shift to unpack and sort donations, restock shelves, and support our goal of recycling cardboard and items that may be usable by other agencies.

We have the truck if you have the time. The FreeStore needs individuals like you to pick up donated furniture, which will be given to women and children who have escaped abusive situations. Pickup volunteers will confirm the pickup with the donor the day before, perform a vehicle maintenance check before departing the warehouse, and assure the donated items meet the FreeStore quality standards before loading the furniture on the truck.

Furniture pickup volunteers will need access to email in order to communicate schedules and assignments as well as a personal cell phone for truck to store and truck to donor calls.

Start your Saturday off right by helping families start a new life away from an abusive situation. Working with the FreeStore, you'll deliver furniture and other household items to clients' new apartments on Saturday mornings and feel great about yourself the rest of the weekend. Volunteers will meet at the FreeStore warehouse to help load the items to be delivered, and then follow the FreeStore truck to the client's house where we will unload and re-assemble the furniture.

No prior experience is needed, just the desire to help others.

Be the connection between those with an extra bed and those without. Join the FreeStore in their mission to provide furniture to families who are starting over. Use your ability to communicate and get folks organized as you receive calls from potential donors and coordinate pick-up of items.

Our pick-up teams rely on someone like you to create an efficient schedule so we can fill our warehouse and help more people. Working from home, volunteers receive calls for two weeks followed by six weeks off, and so the rotation continues. By fielding these important phone calls, you will help women who are leaving domestic violence shelters and other difficult circumstances.

The Salvation Army needs your help with our Food Pantry & Doing the Most Good Market from 10:00am-12:30pm Tuesday - Thursday each week. You can choose one or multiple days.

Your role is to help us prepare for the upcoming day, including accepting gleaned donations from stores, sorting through both the older and new foods to assure it is edible, putting food away, prepackaging boxes of foods we donate to other pantries/partners and so on. When/if there is a lull, you can help in other areas like stocking shelves, cleaning up the spaces, etc.

If you are interested, please call The Salvation Army of Story County at 515-233-3567 or email Lori.Stern@usc.salvationarmy.org

United Way of Central Iowa is committed to supporting those in our community who have been impacted by COVID-19 and those who may be impacted by unforeseen economic conditions. Show people in central Iowa how much you care and how much they matter by writing a note — or more — of encouragement. 

United Way will share your messages with our nonprofit partners who are serving the individual people and families in the categories you have to choose from in the form to the right, including healthcare, nonprofit frontline workers providing food and basic needs, seniors in care facilities who can't see family, and kids whose school and out-of-school programming are new and different. These people need the time and positivity you have to give. They need your encouragement right now.

Write a quick note to thank and encourage people in your community — your neighbors, friends or maybe even your co-workers — who are helping to keep our community safe during this time, or to someone vulnerable in the community who may have fallen on hard times, or is feeling isolated and lonely. You can submit a note online using our virtual note form on this page.

Here are a sample messages to help get you started:

The Neighbor to Neighbor Call Program is a reassurance phone call program in which volunteers reach out to older adults or to adults living with disabilities. The goal of the program is to offer a personal contact and an opportunity to socialize on a regularly scheduled basis. 

CASA volunteers (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are needed to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are subsequently involved in the juvenile court system. Requirements include care and concern for children in the system as well as completion of a 30 hour training program. Responsibilities include:

House of Mercy Child Care Center is in need of:

If you have items to donate please email Andy Smith at ASmith2@mercydesmoines.org or call 515-643-6545.

Thank you for your support!

About House of Mercy Child Development Center:

John R. Grubb/House of Mercy Child Development Center is a licensed and nationally accredited (NAEYC) childcare facility, serving the children of House of Mercy’s residential clients. The Center serves children age six-weeks old through school age. 

Center For Siouxland partners with the United Way of Siouxland to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). VITA is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program which offers free tax preparation to qualifying taxpayers. All volunteers for our program are trained and certified by the IRS.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the 2022 Filing Season. We are looking to fill these volunteer positions:

If interested please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/2Py6augPyz6JKRD57

Have questions? Contact VITA Program Coordinator at (712) 252-1861 ext. 108 or olivia.benjamin@centerforsiouxland.org

On the fence about volunteering? Check out this video about previous VITA Volunteers experiences: https://youtu.be/42Kjrg1vVMg

The Family Crisis Center is looking for volunteer board members to compromise with making the difference in their community and support of effort to promote a community free of violence. Candidate must be available for monthly meetings (Video or Teleconferencing available), be dynamic and willing to support or attend our agency's event. Must be 18+ years of age. 

The Jesse Cosby Center is in need of drivers or and runners to help deliver meals to homebound older adults Monday - Friday! This service helps our consumers stay independent and continue to age with dignity. Volunteers can choose to volunteer once a week or twice a month. 

AlRazi Academy is in need for help in starting meals at our program following the child and adult food program standards and regulation . 75% of the families we serve are low income, refugees and immigrants. AlRazi Academy is in the process of starting food program to help serve Children and families who are in need. 

Organize, sort books on shelves, perform routine circulation desk tasks,assist students and staff with locating materials using the available software system, shelve books, and help with light cleaning, checks in or renews materials and shelves returned items. Check out books once the children have made their selections.

A volunteer will answer phones, greet visitors, direct questions to the appropriate people.

They will also have data entry responsibilities.

receptionist

Enjoy tinkering and fixing things? Are you a closet DIYer? Then we have the job for you.

This person will test small appliances, lamps, and other items with a cord. This individual will also repair and make furniture look new again.

Looking for multiple volunteers to play in our shop. Come once a week or once a month there will be something for you to do.

shop worker

An Order Processing volunteer pulls items requested by our clients. The ordering processing volunteer picks out large items and makes sure they fit the client’s space. The volunteer has the opportunity to pick out fun bedding and couches for our clients, along with fun bonus items when available.

order processing

Happy to help our donors unload furniture and household items and put them in their designated places.

A Donation Receiver is the first person our donors will meet when they come into CFR

donation receiver

Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing volunteer@northlibertycommunitypantry.org

Engage with students in the public school system.

Read with a child, one hour a week, one day a week at school. Buddy reading time will vary per student

18+ / 5 days a week

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

in Spanish while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You'll provide students with the opportunity to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking skills, learn about the world, and have fun doing it!

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You’ll provide students with quality English instruction and inspire them to create opportunities for their futures. Join us and make learning fun!

Many families and individuals in our community struggle daily to secure enough food to eat. The Coralville Community Food Pantry (CCFP) works to address this issue by offering weekly food assistance to anyone in Coralville who needs it.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the pantry for our open hours to the public.  CCFP is a client-choice based pantry, which means it operates much like your local grocery store. Duties may include: unloading food deliveries, stocking shelves, sweeping/cleaning, breaking down cardboard boxes, etc. Opportunities exist Tuesday through Saturday, with some flexibility in time of shift.

NASW Iowa is seeking a volunteer(s) who can help us with creating videos for our annual awardees.  We like to do a 5 minute video of the awardee answering questions about their passion and their careers.  We try very hard to prep our awardees so they answer their questions succinctly, to minimize editing, but we generally need some editing done. 

Who can participate?  Volunteers may be high school junior or senior, or an adult volunteer (18 years of age or older) who provides a positive mentoring relationship for a youth.

Process to become a mentor

Screening Process:  A face to face interview with the Mentoring Coordinator takes place after orientation materials have been reviewed.  Submission of completed volunteer application and authorization to access criminal records, child abuse registry check, sex offender check, driving record check, and four character references are mandatory for all potential mentors.

**Satisfactory reports on these references must be received before a volunteer will be matched.

Training: Mentors are trained after screenings have taken place.  This in-depth training session can be done on an individual basis or in groups. They can also be done on location for students or businesses participating in the project.

Primary Responsibilities

Support

Introductions of Mentor and Mentee

Meeting new people can sometimes be a bit scary for everyone.  That is why we set up an introduction meeting with the mentor, mentee, parents, and mentoring coordinator.  At this meeting we will all get to know each other better and we will go over important information: meeting guidelines, scheduling, and contact information will be exchanged. 

Support & Activities

The Mentoring Coordinator provides monthly check-ins to support mentors and mentees.  This provides mentors a chance to communicate how things are going with the match.  Activity ideas, additional training, or event passes may also be shared.

Time Requirements

Application process

Once matched

The Board of Directors is the governing authority for the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective.  The Board consists of approximately 12 members and meets monthly - 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 PM.  Typically the meeting was at the shop/store, 219 West 4th St, Waterloo, however the meetings are being held via Zoom during the pandemic.  Ideal qualifications include: good communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, marketing knowledge, volunteer recruitment and management experience, interest in bicycling and/or recycling.  Knowledge of bicycles is useful, but not required.

The Nutrition Team meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00 to sort perishable food and distribute it into coolers for Outreach on Sunday afternoons.  Volunteers serve one Sunday a month.

Purpose

Engage clients over the phone in a conversation to discuss client needs, set appointments at partner churches, and offer encouragement.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Purpose

Answer the telephone, greet volunteers and perform clerical duties as assigned

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Purpose

Pick up goods from partner churches and deliver them to client’s homes on an every other week rotation

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Description of role:

As a volunteer chairperson you ensure nearly 2,000 units of blood will save lives weekly in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. You are the key to helping us recruit volunteer blood donors in our community for local hospital patients!

Primary Responsibilities

Ask others to help with volunteer roles:

Get the word out early – the number one reason someone donates is because they were asked!

Promote your event with the materials provided by LifeServe Blood Center

Recruit donors early and schedule appointments

Secondary Responsibilities

You save lives locally! Your blood drive IS important.

As a volunteer chairperson, you are a critical partner in being good stewards of the blood supply. With your help, we will be prepared to save lives throughout the year.