Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

Help us unload the truck for The Rooted Table. 

Help us load up the truck for the Rooted Table! 

Opening Doors will be hosting an information booth at the 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Dubuque, Iowa, and we’re looking for volunteers to help us represent our organization throughout the afternoon.

The event runs from 12:00–4:00 PM on June 20th, and we are hoping to have at least one volunteer present at the booth each hour. This is a simple and meaningful way to connect with the community, share about what we do, and be part of a powerful celebration.

Event Background:
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks June 19, 1865—the day the abolition of slavery was finally announced in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, it is a celebration of freedom, achievement, and a time to come together in building stronger communities.

If you’re available to help for an hour (or more), we would love to have you join us!

If you have a group, we would love to have you! Please just notate that when you sign up. If there aren't enough slots for your group, please email us and we will take care of getting you on the schedule.

Volunteer drivers are integral to Shine Bright ensuring that kits are delivered to local schools. The size of each kit order varies, so any size vehicle can assist in deliveries. Volunteers will pick up kits at the Mid-America Center and deliver to designated schools assigned by United Way of the Midlands volunteerism team. If you have a region of Omaha that works best for you, please share that location in the comment section on your registration.

Tasks: 

   - Delivering kits to assigned routes   

   - Lifting boxes weighing approximately 15 lbs. repetitively

Volunteer Driver Requirements: 

   - Must provide a valid Driver's License and proof of insurance

   - Requires the use of your own vehicle 

By signing up for a Delivery Driver shift, you accept responsibility and understand that as a volunteer driver, your personal auto insurance will be activated for any accidents or incidents that involve your vehicle, including those that occur while you are serving as a volunteer driver for United Way of the Midlands.

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the garage doors (north-side) of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place moving boxes out of vehicles at designated school locations to be provided by
      UWM staff

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

Volunteers MUST bring a valid copy of your Driver's License and proof of insurance to be copied at check-in. The volunteer release of liability and photo release waiver will be available to sign at check-in.

Assembly and Box Making volunteers support the efficient assembly of Shine Bright kits, ensuring students receive essential full-sized hygiene products.

Please find kit assembly volunteer shifts at the bottom of the page.

Tasks include:

   - Product restocking with a pallet jack or cart
   - Kit assembly 
   - Quality Assurance (counting/inventory management)
   - Recycling product packaging materials
   - Taping, labeling and moving boxes to the corresponding line for the next assembly shift 
   - Light to moderate lifting may be required for volunteers boxing at the end of the assembly line
   - Please email volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Driver Assist Volunteers will load completed kit boxes into delivery vehicles, including Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) boxes. While waiting for drivers to arrive, volunteers will assist with cleanup of the Mid-America Center. 

Tasks include:

   - Loading completed kits in boxes into delivery vehicles
   - Assisting with cleanup of Mid-America Center 
   - This role requires volunteers to bend and lift about 15lbs. repetitively
   - Please contact volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Set up Shine Bright 2026 for success! As a setup volunteer, your work to prepare the space, materials and flow that make the entire kit assembly run is essential. Your volunteer service ensures volunteers can jump in quickly and make the greatest impact.

Tasks include:

   - Setting up and moving tables to the correct places 
   - Stocking each section with the corresponding product
   - Ensuring that the assembly line is ready to go for the next day’s assembly
   - Working with other volunteers to make sure the right products were stocked
   - Building boxes for the first assembly shift the following day
   - Light to moderate lifting may be required for volunteers boxing at the end of the assembly line
   - Please email volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect:

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Volunteers who are building school orders ensure that each school’s kits are ready for delivery. Your support helps maximize impact and makes the experience seamless for drivers and loading volunteers to pick-up and deliver the kits to the schools. 

Tasks include:

   - Moving boxes into school orders
   - Organizing kits
   - Repacking kits (if needed)
   - Volunteers will lift boxes weighing approximately 15 lbs. repetitively
   - Please email volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Quality Check volunteers play a key role in ensuring that the school districts and programs have the kits requested and that loading drivers is set up to be efficient. 

Tasks include:

   - Double checking routes for deliveries
   - Plastic wrapping pallets
   - Loading local Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Specialist vehicles
   - Starting event clean up
   - Volunteers will be lifting up to 15 lbs., and moving and bending throughout the shift
   - Please email volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Volunteers who organize orders for kit delivery ensure order pick-up is streamlined and efficient by organizing each order for the vehicle.

Tasks include:

   - Leading volunteers with the list of orders
   - Operating the pallet jack, cart or wagon
   - Placing labels on boxes, designating them for a specific order
   - Running to get desired boxes 
   - Helping to count, organize, pack and label any remaining product in the inventory
   -  Volunteers will lift boxes weighing approximately 15 lbs., and move and bend throughout the shift
   - Please email volunteer@uwmidlands.org to request reasonable accommodation

What to expect: 

   - Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing
   - Park at the South entrance lot of the Mid-America Center
   - Training and orientation at the start of the shift
   - Volunteer activities to take place in a large, air-conditioned exhibition hall
   - A moderate volume environment
   - Up to 15 volunteers
   - Volunteers will work in small teams
   - Event photography and videography may take place

Volunteer Benefits: 

   - Experience meaningful, hands-on service
   - Participate in tangible tasks that create immediate results and visible impact for students in need
   - Boost connection and team spirit
   - Build relationships and purpose alongside coworkers, friends or new community members
   - Support student success (improve attendance, confidence and readiness to learn)
   - Hour verification available
   - Photo opportunities as an individual volunteer or with your team
   - Be entered to win a pair of Omaha Storm Chasers tickets during each volunteer shift

United Way of the Midlands' release of liability and photo release is included at the bottom of the registration page. Before you submit your volunteer registration, you will be prompted to check the box confirming that, "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver." Please follow the hyperlink to review the waiver prior to checking the box. By signing up to volunteer, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the liability and photo release waiver.

Volunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance.     

Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information:

Volunteers:

Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive.

Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. 

Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service.

Large Group Volunteering for Children's Events: If you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy@familiesforward.org.

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

Volunteers are needed to organize our donation area and do light cleaning in our shared living spaces (living room, dining room, and kitchen). ​Volunteers would be organizing clothing, personals/toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cleaning products, school supplies, food items, and much more. We provide basic necessities every month for up to the 77 families staying in New Directions Shelter, The Home Connection, and our other housing programs.​

​This is a great project for a single person to work on, or you can sign up to bring a group (up to 10 people at a time). Volunteers should be 12 and older. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. 

Questions? Sign up to receive more information or contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. 

Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. 

Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service, but our food pantry does. 

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

Join the MFC for a weekend full of Juneteenth celebrations! Juneteenth (June 19) marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. 

Saturday's event will be a fun filled day with a talent show, raffles, bounce house, games, community and business booths, door prizes, free food and food trucks! Volunteers will be needed to face paint, help at the MFC booth, serve food, clean up the park during the event, and help tear down after the event. 

Saturday's event will be held outside so dress appropriately and bring water! 

We would love to have some Bird Houses and Butterfly Houses for our pollinators at the Hill St Orchard.   Do you have a scout troop, school group or other that would be interested in building some for use at the orchard?    This could happen anytime this spring or summer.  We are looking for groups that can build on their own and donate to the Hill St Orchard when complete.  Contact us at welovetrees@dubuquetreesforever.org

This will be our inaugural event!  We will be cleaning up at Eagle Point Park to get things ship shape for the upcoming 250th 4th of July celebrations!  More details will be posted as they are available.   We hope you will join us.  

Meet in the big parking lot by the tennis courts at 9am.

Fairport Fish Hatchery is looking for volunteers to help with maintenance around the grounds. Projects include: 

Helping to clear a fallen tree and assemble a handicap ramp to the residence on the property. 

DISCOVER the WILD: Video Games Become a DISCOVER the WILD Day volunteer! Volunteers will engage with guests as they have a fun day at the Zoo Volunteers ages 9 and up are welcomed; Please note volunteers under the age of 13 MUST have an adult chaperone signed up with them.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Visit the following link to sign up: https://signup.com/go/mvXkzPu

Help strengthen Iowa’s Community Action Agency network and the LIHEAP program by improving data systems, field–state coordination, and workflow consistency. As a full‑year VISTA, you will support the Iowa HHS Division of Community Access & Eligibility and local Community Action Agencies in modernizing processes that serve low‑income households across the state.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in public policy, human services, data systems, or community development. You will build long‑term capacity by improving Salesforce data processes, documenting field operations, researching best practices, and developing sustainable tools—such as workflow maps, data dictionaries, communication templates, and resource guides—used statewide.

The VISTA will spend time with local partners such as IMPACT, gaining real‑world insight into how LIHEAP and Community Action services operate. This experience will help shape statewide improvements, enhance alignment, and strengthen Iowa’s effectiveness in serving low‑income Iowans.

*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.

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Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

We’re really excited to finally move forward with something we’ve been wanting to do for a while. We’ll be refreshing the Teresa Shelter to create a space that feels more peaceful, welcoming, and healing for both our residents and staff.

As part of this project, we’ll be:

We are planning to complete this project July 14–16, and we would love your help to make it happen!

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll have two shifts available each day:

Volunteers will help with:

This project is more than just paint—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, peaceful, and dignified for the women and children we serve every day.

If you’re able to help, even for one shift, we would be so grateful.

Thank you for being part of what we’re building here

Volunteer Managers of Central Iowa (VMCI) invites all volunteer engagement professionals to play an active role in strengthening volunteerism across Central Iowa by joining one of our committees. Committee volunteers help us plan programs, support member engagement, and shape the overall experience of our network.

This is a great way to contribute your skills, connect with peers, and support the professional community that supports volunteers.

If you're passionate about elevating volunteer engagement in Central Iowa, we’d love to have you involved.

Join our team of volunteers on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to provide bags of food to those in need of assistance.  Volunteers work in teams of 6-7 people to give out food staples (primarily canned goods) and fresh bread and produce.  We serve between 40 – 80 families in an afternoon.  Volunteers can choose between a number of tasks:

*Helping clients fill out their food order

*Reminding clients when it’s their turn to receive food

*Assisting clients with free choice items

*Filling bags with food that the client has requested

Make a direct impact to a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities with little or no family involvement. We are seeking caring individuals we would be interested in being their birthday buddy and willing to get them a birthday cake and a small gift. You can be as involved as you see fit. If you choose to just adopt one person, a couple or a house full it is up to you. A cake to many of us is not a big deal but to an individual without a family it means the world. 

The Muscatine County Fair is looking for volunteers to help with mulching on the property. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the task and weather. 

Connect Your Neighbors With Local Volunteering Options  – – Right from Home!

When we know more, we can do more. 

Community Compass is a crowdsourced platform that connects volunteers with their community and each other. We’re building a national directory of nonprofit organizations, mutual aid and grassroots networks, service clubs, and more. Because volunteer groups come in all shapes and sizes, our Community Pages include smaller, less formal organizations alongside established nonprofits.

We’re looking for enthusiastic contributors (like you!) to help us update and enrich Community Pages and Organization Pages on Community Compass. With some research and your curiosity, you can help your neighbors quickly find nearby nonprofits, mutual aid groups, service clubs and more – making it simpler than ever for everyone to make a local impact.

Community Compass contributors have already helped us identify over 3,600 ways to volunteer in more than 380 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Be a Contributor: Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Be a Fact Checker: Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Be an Organizational Profile Builder: Create Community Compass pages for nonprofit organizations.

Be a Moderator: Review and approve submissions.

Be an Ambassador: Coming soon

Why Volunteer with Community Compass?

Easy and accessible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Flexible commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering easier for everyone.

Connect Your Neighbors With Local Volunteering Options  – – Right from Home!

When we know more, we can do more. 

Community Compass is a crowdsourced platform that connects volunteers with their community and each other. We’re building a national directory of nonprofit organizations, mutual aid and grassroots networks, service clubs, and more. Because volunteer groups come in all shapes and sizes, our Community Pages include smaller, less formal organizations alongside established nonprofits.

We’re looking for enthusiastic contributors (like you!) to help us update and enrich Community Pages and Organization Pages on Community Compass. With some research and your curiosity, you can help your neighbors quickly find nearby nonprofits, mutual aid groups, service clubs and more – making it simpler than ever for everyone to make a local impact.

Community Compass contributors have already helped us identify over 3,600 ways to volunteer in more than 380 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Be a Contributor: Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Be a Fact Checker: Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Be an Organizational Profile Builder: Create Community Compass pages for nonprofit organizations.

Be a Moderator: Review and approve submissions.

Be an Ambassador: Coming soon

Why Volunteer with Community Compass?

Easy and accessible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Flexible commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering easier for everyone.

Connect Your Neighbors With Local Volunteering Options  – – Right from Home!

When we know more, we can do more. 

Community Compass is a crowdsourced platform that connects volunteers with their community and each other. We’re building a national directory of nonprofit organizations, mutual aid and grassroots networks, service clubs, and more. Because volunteer groups come in all shapes and sizes, our Community Pages include smaller, less formal organizations alongside established nonprofits.

We’re looking for enthusiastic contributors (like you!) to help us update and enrich Community Pages and Organization Pages on Community Compass. With some research and your curiosity, you can help your neighbors quickly find nearby nonprofits, mutual aid groups, service clubs and more – making it simpler than ever for everyone to make a local impact.

Community Compass contributors have already helped us identify over 3,600 ways to volunteer in more than 380 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Be a Contributor: Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Be a Fact Checker: Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Be an Organizational Profile Builder: Create Community Compass pages for nonprofit organizations.

Be a Moderator: Review and approve submissions.

Be an Ambassador: Coming soon

Why Volunteer with Community Compass?

Easy and accessible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Flexible commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering easier for everyone.

We are looking for community volunteers to come in and read with a kindergarten-6th grade class during SPARK for 30 minutes. Join us for a fun-filled morning of stories and learning!

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area needs your help with Hygiene supplies for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As we all know costs continue to rise and available money for individuals with intellectual disabilities doesn't. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities typically have little money left from their cost of care. I am seeking some caring individuals to help alleviate the cost of Hygiene supplies and leave them more money to spend on items that make them happy. We are seeking items such as Shampoo/conditioner for all hair types (including products for black hair), both solid and spray on deodorant. toothpaste, mouth wash, Body wash (not bar soap) for both men and women (Men's 3 in one and women's 2 in one is preferred), men's and women's shaving cream, razers, body lotion, body sprays, hairbrushes, combs, Kleenexes, nail care, chap stick etc. The most needed products to date are Men's 3 in one, body wash (some for sensitive skin, shampoo and conditioner. 

No bar soap, Q-Tip's or cotton balls please. Please feel free to share with friends, coworkers, groups or anyone willing to help!

Volunteer Iowa’s AmeriCorps VISTA project strengthens organizations across the state that are working to reduce poverty and expand opportunity for Iowans. As the VISTA Member Services Coordinator (VISTA Leader), you will support VISTA members, strengthen host site relationships, and help expand Volunteer Iowa’s capacity to serve communities statewide.

In this full-time leadership role, you will guide VISTA members through their service year by coordinating pre-service onboarding, OSOT, mid-year, and end-of-service activities. You will plan monthly professional development trainings, organize Lunch & Learn sessions, collect member impact stories, and help coordinate statewide Days of Service such as MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service, and AmeriCorps Week. You will assist with VISTA recruitment by identifying and engaging candidates, attending outreach events, building relationships with colleges and universities, and ensuring VISTA Assignment Descriptions (VADs) are accurate and high-quality. You will track recruitment trends and recommend improvements to strengthen Volunteer Iowa’s candidate pipeline.

This position works closely with the Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program Officer and contributes to long-term planning, project development, and overall program improvement. Volunteer Iowa’s VISTA program is one of the longest-running in the state, with members serving in areas such as education, health, mental health, disaster services, and employment. The team is excited to welcome a new VISTA Leader for the upcoming term.

Applicants MUST have successfully completed one full term as an AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC, or full-time AmeriCorps member. Returning Peace Corps Volunteers are also eligible. Candidates must live in Iowa or be willing to relocate, with preference for those in the Des Moines or Cedar Rapids/Iowa City areas. The position remains open until filled.

Timeframe:1 Year Full-Time Position (35–40 hours / 5 days a week)

Education Level: High School Diploma/GED

Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old

Accepting Applications Until 07/31/2026

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:

*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit: https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/

Volunteer Agrees To:

Type of Online Volunteering:
Business research for RISE’s In-Prison Program participants.
This is self-paced and done at your leisure, wherever, whenever…so long as you meet our deadline. There is no actual “event” or meeting of any kind.


Materials needed for this event will be emailed to volunteers on the afternoon of Monday, June 29th, 2026.


Deadline to Complete:
Friday, July 17th, 2026 | 12:00pm


Where:
Anywhere you have access to a computer and internet.
Again, this is self-paced and can be done at your home, your office if your boss allows, the library, or from your laptop at your kid’s double header baseball game.
We do not actually meet in person for this volunteering opportunity.


Requirements:
2-3 Hours of time to work at your leisure.
Computer (A phone or tablet will get wonky and frustrating for you - we’ve had people try, and we don’t want to put you through it.)


Do you need to be an expert?
No! While being an expert and/or having experience in a specific field is extremely helpful, it's certainly not required! Volunteers can (and are encouraged to) use Google and other resources available to provide the research our participants need.


Details:
RISE’s In-Prison Program participant’s are at the stage in their programming where they are beginning to put bigger thought into their business ideas. Research is very difficult for our participants due to lack of internet inside facilities and modern resources, but crucial to their final plans for their upcoming business pitch competition in a few months!

Volunteers will be answering the questions RISE participants have regarding the specific industry they are looking at entering or creating businesses in. These questions range from marketing and pricing strategies, startup needs, target market brainstorming and competition research, tips, products or other services to offer, general industry or business ownership questions, licensing questions, etc.

These questions have been thoughtfully collected by RISE’s In-Prison Program Director, Andrea Wright, and Prison Program Associate, Dr. Tommy Moore. Together, they have created a form for volunteers to complete providing anonymous feedback and research to support our participants programming needs at this time.

All the materials needed will be sent to volunteers via email.

How to sign up:
Signup for this opportunity here.
Fill out the registration form with your information, bio, areas of expertise, etc.
All materials and forms needed to complete this opportunity will be emailed to you by Monday, June 29th, 2026.

Type of Online Volunteering:
Business research for RISE’s In-Prison Program participants.
This is self-paced and done at your leisure, wherever, whenever…so long as you meet our deadline. There is no actual “event” or meeting of any kind.

Materials needed for this event will be emailed to volunteers on the afternoon of Thursday, July 9th, 2026.

Deadline to Complete:
Monday, August 3rd, 2026 | 12:00pm

Where:
Anywhere you have access to a computer and internet.
Again, this is self-paced and can be done at your home, your office if your boss allows, the library, or from your laptop at your kid’s double header baseball game.
We do not actually meet in person for this volunteering opportunity.

Requirements:
2-3 Hours of time to work at your leisure.
Computer (A phone or tablet will get wonky and frustrating for you - we’ve had people try, and we don’t want to put you through it.)

Do you need to be an expert?
No! While being an expert and/or having experience in a specific field is extremely helpful, it's certainly not required! Volunteers can (and are encouraged to) use Google and other resources available to provide the research our participants need.

Details:
RISE’s In-Prison Program participant’s are at the stage in their programming where they are beginning to put bigger thought into their business ideas. Research is very difficult for our participants due to lack of internet inside facilities and modern resources, but crucial to their final plans for their upcoming business pitch competition in a few months!

Volunteers will be answering the questions RISE participants have regarding the specific industry they are looking at entering or creating businesses in. These questions range from marketing and pricing strategies, startup needs, target market brainstorming and competition research, tips, products or other services to offer, general industry or business ownership questions, licensing questions, etc.

These questions have been thoughtfully collected by RISE’s In-Prison Program Director, Andrea Wright, and Prison Program Associate, Bryan Dahlberg. Together, they have created a form for volunteers to complete providing anonymous feedback and research to support our participants programming needs at this time.

All the materials needed will be sent to volunteers via email.

How to sign up:
Signup for this opportunity here.
Fill out the registration form with your information, bio, areas of expertise, etc.
All materials and forms needed to complete this opportunity will be emailed to you by Thursday, July 9th, 2026.

We’re currently seeking caring, reliable individuals to join our childcare volunteer team. Childcare volunteers help create a safe, fun space where children can play, giving moms the opportunity to fully participate in and benefit from YWRC programs.

We currently have openings for childcare volunteers every Monday from 5:45 – 7:30 p.m., some Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:15-7:00 p.m. Scheduling is flexible, a semester commitment is preferred. A brief phone screening, background check, and childcare-focused orientation are required for this volunteer role.

If you’re interested in volunteering with YWRC, please complete a volunteer application online at https://ywrc.org/volunteer-application/ or contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

Our program team facilitates weekly programming and support groups where participants can learn, connect, and build community. During program, moms and their children share a meal together, strengthening relationships in a welcoming environment. Meals play a critical role in supporting participants who are experiencing food insecurity. You may choose to prepare a homemade meal, provide a premade option, or arrange delivery or catering.

To view available dates and sign up, please visit our Meal Train

Contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

Zoo Brew 2026
Zoo Brew is back for 2026! This 21+ event allows adults the opportunity to explore the Zoo kid-free while enjoying drinks and live music! Zoo Brew is held rain or shine.

Dates:
June 10, 17, 24
July 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12

SPECIFIC NEEDS:
June 10 - Event Center Bar Captain/Bartenders - 4 openings
June 17 - Bar Captains - Center, Eagle
June 24 - Bartenders Eagle (2), Event Center (2), Africa Bar Captain

July 8 - Bar Captains - Africa, Eagle, Event Center
July 15 - Event Center Bartenders (3), Bar Captains - Africa, Center Bars
July 22 - Bartenders - Eagle (1-2), Event Center (1-2),Event Center Bar Captain
July 29 - Bar Captain - Africa, Center, Event,

August 5 - Bartenders - Eagle (1-2), Event Center (2-4), Bar Captains - Africa, Center, Event Center
August 12 - Bartenders - Event Center (1-2), Africa Bar Captain

Sign up TODAY: https://signup.com/go/zOYfeZb

The Vibe: For the helpful "Captain" who keeps things moving!

The Role: Be the first friendly face guests see at the Gardens. You’ll pilot our courtesy shuttle, the "Garden Hopper," around the DABG/Marshall Park parking areas and the Wanderwood entrance. You’ll help manage parking flow and provide a warm welcome to families as they arrive.

Key Tasks:  Transport guests safely via the shuttle.

Direct incoming traffic to available parking spots.

Share basic "know before you go" info (bathroom locations, kiosk info).

Maintain radio contact with the WWG team.

Volunteer meal donors prepare or purchase a child-friendly dinner for up to 20-25 people and drop it off at the shelter between 4:00–4:30 pm. No serving involved — just drop and go. 

A few things to know:

Easy meal ideas:

(These are not required; they are just ideas.)

Questions? Contact Melanie Wright at melanie@familiesforward.org or 515-244-9748.

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

Assist our extended care residents to and from Sunday Chapel Services for the months of June and July. Please reach out to klunn@newaldaya.org for more details or call 319-553-2219. 

The Waterloo Center for the Arts stimulates inquiry, provokes dialogue & connects people through the arts. Friends of the Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Waterloo Center for the Arts and its cultural programs, events, exhibitions, and art collections through fundraising efforts and volunteerism.

Work alongside Friends of the Art Center and become a board member! Meetings are held in-person monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month starting at 5:30pm. 

The Waterloo Center for the Arts operates under the auspices of the City of Waterloo and Culture & Arts Commission, the Center and its programs, reflect the City's commitment to and support of arts and culture. The Center’s mission is to stimulate inquiry, provoke dialogue & connect people through the arts. The Phelps Youth Pavilion, Riverloop Amphitheatre & Expo Plaza and Waterloo Boathouse are all under the center's purview. 

The Commission meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month starting at 3:30pm. Meetings may be virtual or in-person.

If you’re interested in becoming a commissioner, please reach out for more information.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with our summer camp programming. Volunteers will assist Museum Educators in executing themed programming, activities, and crafts. Must be willing to work with children of varying ages and needs. Must be able to pass a background check. Shifts are flexible based on volunteer's availability.

Purpose/Objective: Love Box® Leaders come alongside children in foster care, as well as their caretakers, but offering consistent support through intentional giving and building relationships.

Key Responsibilities: Love Box® Leaders show up for a Foster family by providing a Love Box for an assigned foster family once per month. Additionally, volunteers work to build an impactful and intentional relationship with children in the home and foster parents. Invite your friends to join you, or teach your family about volunteering, by becoming a Love Box® group! Help support our larger foster and kinship families on a monthly basis and make a difference with your circle.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 18 years old, rooted in the community, able to pass a background check, have reliable transportation, a desire to build a relationship with children in foster care, and have a coachable spirit. Volunteer positions are open to people with disabilities.

Purpose/Objective: Dare to Dream® Mentors come alongside youth in or aging out of Foster Care (ages 11-22) by providing intentional relational support at least 2 time per month.  

Key Responsibilities: Dare to Dream® Mentors work to build an impactful and intentional relationship with their mentee through activities and shared experiences. The role is intended to provide a safe and positive role model to help a youth prepare for life after Foster Care. 

Learn more and view our current waitlist here!

https://www.cedarvalleyangels.org/volunteer

United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties publishes a monthly Volunteer Express with new, urgent, one-time, short-term, and event volunteer opportunities in the community. 

We hope you take a look, sample a volunteer opportunity and GET INVOLVED!

Use this link to review the Volunteer Express Newsletter!!

ReStore volunteers help with all the daily tasks of running the store. Tasks will include unloading donations, assisting with small projects, cleaning, re-merchandising products, and organizing the different departments within the store.  We also need volunteers willing to ride in our truck along with staff to pick up donated items within the Iowa City and Coralville areas. If you enjoy small projects and interacting with others while helping a great cause, the ReStore is the perfect opportunity for you!

Shift Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday every week

To register to volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Calendar

Help build and rehabilitate homes along with Habitat for Humanity staff and hard-working people in our community. Home-owners will work to volunteer on the construction of their own home and will pay a long-term, affordable mortgage for the cost of the house.

Volunteers will help us with the majority exterior and interior construction, demolition and remodeling work at a home. No prior skills or knowledge are necessary! We train you and give you all the tools you need to accomplish the tasks for each shift. Learn new construction skills, make new memories, meet new friends, and help give back to the community!

To register to volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Calendar

Volunteers sort and bag cans so they can be dropped off for redemption, and the funds received fund affordable housing solutions. With each Iowa City ReStore truckload of cans sorted by volunteers, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity raises around $1,000.

Shift Schedule: Tuesday and Friday opportunities; please reach out if interested in another day of the week

To register to volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Calendar

Volunteers will restock apparel, sort through donated items, hang and fold clothes. Volunteer hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Time commitment will vary by individual with volunteers working 3 hours per day.

Most volunteers come in one day a week for just a wonderful, uplifting experience! Come in and check us out!

Please call 563-495-0885 or email opencloset@almosthomedbq.org for more information.

Thank you for considering us for your volunteer efforts!

During a public shopping event, volunteers keep the area looking good. We remove empty hangers, rearrange displays, and bag the shoppers' clothing. We assist shoppers with selection, if needed. Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome to help.

 At the Open Closet, we provide free clothing to those in need:

Please call 563-495-0885 or email opencloset@almosthomedbq.org for more information.

 Thank you for considering us for volunteer opportunity!

Serve as first welcome to the community! Assist riders get to where they need to go, answer questions they may have. Be a community cheerleader!

There will be a tent and the terrain will be on pavement and grass.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult.

*Volunteers will get a free RAGBRAI t-shirt*

Volunteers must wear their provided RAGBRAI shirt or favorite nonprofit shirt, comfortable shoes, shorts/capris/pants, no ripped jeans

Team registration is highly encouraged and welcomed.

A volunteer training will take place. Please plan to attend one of the two sessions. Tuesday, July 21 at Noon or Wednesday, July 22 at 5 pm. Location: A.Y. McDonald Park

Volunteer Release and Liability Waivers must be signed during the volunteer training sessions.

Registration deadline: July 17

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Help strengthen Iowa’s public health infrastructure—gain experience in systems analysis, communication design, and program capacity‑building while improving how the Iowa HHS Division of Public Health serves communities facing the greatest health and economic barriers.

As a Public Health Division Capacity Building VISTA, you will support efforts to build sustainable communication tools, onboarding systems, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that help staff deliver more consistent, equitable public health services. You will work closely with the SOP Collaborative, Communications Committee, and workforce initiatives to streamline processes, increase workflow efficiency, and enhance accessibility of internal resources.
Your service will strengthen public health programs that reach low-income Iowans, ALICE households, rural communities, and populations experiencing health disparities, ensuring teams across the Division are better equipped to improve health outcomes statewide.

Length of Commitment: 1 Year, Full‑Time VISTA Term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: Des Moines, Hybrid (primarily in‑person; minimum 2 days per week per HHS policy; supervisor may set additional in‑person expectations)

*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.

The African American Museum of Iowa's Juneteenth festival is just around the corner, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make the event a success! This year's festival will be held at the African American Museum of Iowa (55 12th Ave. SE) on Saturday, June 20.

Volunteers may be asked to supervise the inflatable obstacle course, supervise the chalk/bubbles station, help with craft activities, or act as a "floater."

The African American Museum of Iowa's Juneteenth festival is just around the corner, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make the event a success! This year's festival will be held at the African American Museum of Iowa (55 12th Ave. SE) on Saturday, June 20. Volunteers may be asked to supervise the inflatable obstacle course, supervise the chalk/bubbles station, help with craft activities, or act as a "floater."

The African American Museum of Iowa's Juneteenth festival is just around the corner, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make the event a success! This year's festival will be held at the African American Museum of Iowa (55 12th Ave. SE) on Saturday, June 20.

This opportunity is for helping tear down/clean up at the end of the festival.

Nancy, who is at 2008 is looking for volunteers to help her with general yard work, such as trimming some bushes and mowing her yard. Doris, who is at 2001 just down a few houses, is just needing help to pull some weeds and placing solar light caps on her fence posts. 

Seeking people who would be willing to help us get 3,000 rubber ducks into (and back out) the lazy river at The Falls Aquatic Center for our duck race fundraiser.  This would be fun for a group.

Seeking a photographer to take some great photos of our annual rubber duck fundraisers:  The Great Rubber Duck Splash and the Duck Dash 5K Run/Walk.  

Support is needed for our 30th Annual golf event.  Join us to help with registration, raffle ticket sales, serve lunch, or sit at a hole and provide fun for the golfers.  Also seeking people to drive golf carts.  Are you a photographer?  We are also seeking someone to take team photos and candid shots!

The Great Rubber Duck Splash is a fundraiser for North Star - the public "adopts" ducks and they race around the lazy river at The Falls for cash prizes.  Support is needed for fun kid activities, the Kid's Fun Run, event registration and getting those duckies in the water.  Groups are welcome!

This 5K is part of our larger Rubber Duck Splash fundraiser.  We need support with set-up, registration, water station and cheering our runners on!  

Get Up! Get Moving! is the nation’s premier annual Hispanic family physical activity and healthy lifestyle event presented by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and hosted by OneWorld Community Health Centers. This free event promotes fitness, good nutrition and wellness for people of all ages and sizes through health screenings, organized physical activities, and information attendees can take home. We have combined the event with our annual Back to School Bash which started as a patient appreciation day and now supplies hundreds of children backpacks filled with school supplies every year. 

Children will receive a “passport” as they enter that they must take around to different booths to complete a health screening, physical activity or receive information in order to receive a stamp on their passport. Passports with 3 or more stamps may be turned in for a backpack and to be entered into raffle drawings!

As a volunteer for this event you can expect to help distribute backpacks, help at registration, distribute fruits and veggies, assist in setup and tear down, and additional tasks that may come up. 

Volunteers help ensure every guest feels welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. Participants will greet guests, manage sign-in, answer basic questions, direct visitors to services, support phone inquiries, and help keep the front desk organized and running smoothly.

Support facility upkeep by helping with light maintenance, cleaning, and organization to keep the facility safe, efficient, functional, and welcoming so guests and staff can operate smoothly. Your work ensures the environment supports dignity, efficiency, and reliable service. 

Our Community Culinary Team at The Salvation Army North Corps provides free, nutritious meals to the community daily! Volunteers help ensure that the meal program runs efficiently by prepping ingredients and assembling components so community members receive reliable, healthy meals. Activities will include washing and chopping produce, portioning ingredients, assembling meal components, labeling and organizing items, following kitchen safety guidelines, and helping keep areas clean and efficient. By volunteering with this program, you are strengthening food access for neighbors facing hunger. 

Volunteers will help create a memorable summer for children at The Salvation Army North Corps by offering support, encouragement, and supervision during camp. Activities will include assisting staff, engaging with kids, and helping create a fun and safe summer experience through games, crafts, lessons, snacks, and small groups. 

The award winning Des Moines Arts Festival is a free, three day arts and culture celebration in Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines. Our volunteers and their commitment to our community are the reason we enjoy the success we do! Interested in volunteering at the 2026 Festival? Use the link below to register. ​​ If your team is looking for a group project, please connect with Stacey, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@desmoinesartsfestival.org.

Community Outreach & Resource Distribution Volunteer

Help us increase awareness of recovery support services throughout our community. Volunteers assist by distributing and restocking brochures, flyers, and informational materials at local hospitals, doctor's offices, churches, community organizations, and other partner locations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy connecting with community members, building relationships, and helping ensure that people know where to find support when they need it.

Responsibilities may include:

• Delivering and restocking brochures and flyers at designated locations

• Building positive relationships with community partners

• Identifying new opportunities for outreach and resource distribution

• Representing the organization in a professional and welcoming manner

Flexible scheduling available.

Become a Mentor and Make a Difference

We are relaunching our mentorship program and seeking caring, supportive individuals who are passionate about helping others succeed in recovery and life. Mentors provide encouragement, guidance, and practical support to participants as they work toward personal, educational, employment, and recovery goals.

As a mentor, you will help participants build confidence, develop life skills, navigate challenges, expand their support network, and celebrate successes along the way. Whether through sharing your experiences, offering a listening ear, or connecting participants to community resources, your time and support can have a lasting impact.

No prior mentoring experience is required—just a willingness to build positive relationships, maintain healthy boundaries, and support individuals on their journey toward stability, growth, and long-term recovery.

The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15th, 2026 at Parkview Church - Atrium.
Opportunity to volunteer your time to give back to the community by donating blood.

When donating, remember to:
· Provide a photo ID
· Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate
· Be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days
· Bring a list of the medications you take
· Bring a list of the places and dates you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last three year
Whole blood donations take about 45 to 60 minutes.
All blood collected will be used to support patients at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital

Volunteers are needed to help organize clothing donations, household donations and stock the pantry on Tuesday nights and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways:

Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. (If you'd like to bring younger children, please contact Missy Reams - see contact info below.)

Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404.

About Bidwell Pantry: At the Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Serving up to 6,700 individuals per month, the Bidwell Pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience.

Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. 

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

We are looking for volunteers during this big event, celebrating Americas 250th Anniversary

Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B4DABAA22A7F85-64346794-field

Looking for something fun to do with your team, small group, business, family, or church group? Consider volunteering at the Many Hands Market! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

Groups large and small can come to our thrift store (or we will come to YOU!) Help us sort and process donations of clothes, handbags, shoes, toys and more! This is an activity for all abilities. It is great for team building and strengthening.

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. 

PERFECT SCHEDULE for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers! Serve Monday - Saturday during store hours for as long or as little fits into your schedule.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling...flexible hours! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving.

Our goal at Many Hands is to be good stewards of the items we are given.  We try to repurpose, reuse, or recycle as much as possible.  This volunteer opportunity would be at our Merle Hay store sorting metal into categories to be recycled.   

This opportunity could be 5-10 hours a week, at your convenience to help us process metal items from our thrift stores.   

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift stores.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups. Hours of service can qualify for store discount or towards mission trips!

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement. 

NO SHIFT SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Schedule an orientation then serve at your convenience during store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. 

We are looking for volunteers to serve in our linen department. This is a great little department that handles all of the fabric, sheets, curtains, etc. You would work with other volunteers and staff to sort, measure, price and hang linens. No scheduling, flexible time commitments and a great community. 

 Online Registration

All for a GREAT cause! All proceeds go to local and global missions. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations.

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement.

NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Sign up for an orientation then serve at your convenience within store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions.

Perfect for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers! Monday - Saturday whenever the store is open for as long or as little fits into your schedule.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling...flexible hours! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving.

Come test and help price electronics. We've got TVs, Radios, Video Games, You name it! 

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement. 

NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Schedule an orientation in the location you want to serve then serve at your convenience within store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. 

The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29th, 2026 at Old Capitol Town Center - UCC Conference Center Room 2520.

Opportunity to volunteer your time to give back to the community by donating blood.

When donating, remember to:
· Provide a photo ID
· Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate
· Be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days
· Bring a list of the medications you take
· Bring a list of the places and dates you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last three year
Whole blood donations take about 45 to 60 minutes.
All blood collected will be used to support patients at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital

The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15th, 2026 at Parkview Church - Atrium.

Opportunity to volunteer your time to give back to the community by donating blood.

When donating, remember to:
· Provide a photo ID
· Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate
· Be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days
· Bring a list of the medications you take
· Bring a list of the places and dates you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last three year
Whole blood donations take about 45 to 60 minutes.
All blood collected will be used to support patients at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital

The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 at UIHC Medical Center Downtown - Atrium.

Opportunity to volunteer your time to give back to the community by donating blood.

When donating, remember to:
· Provide a photo ID
· Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate
· Be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days
· Bring a list of the medications you take
· Bring a list of the places and dates you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last three year
Whole blood donations take about 45 to 60 minutes.
All blood collected will be used to support patients at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital

The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at University of Iowa Health Care - Fountain Lobby.

Opportunity to volunteer your time to give back to the community by donating blood.

When donating, remember to:
· Provide a photo ID
· Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate
· Be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days
· Bring a list of the medications you take
· Bring a list of the places and dates you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last three year
Whole blood donations take about 45 to 60 minutes.
All blood collected will be used to support patients at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital

Doris is looking for volunteers to help her with general yard work such as weeding. She would also like help with putting solar lights on top of her fence posts in her yard.  

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that's equal parts meaningful and memorable? Support the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence ICADV at the 2026 National Granny Basketball Tournament this July in Ankeny!

Dallas County is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Dallas County Board of Health. This position oversees administration of the Dallas County Health Department. Volunteers with a passion for public health and a comfort level with governmental budgets or finance are especially welcomed.

Volunteers would be asked to attend monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm, unless there is no business for the Board to discuss. 

The current open position must be a licensed MD, DO, ARNP, or PA. Applicants must reside within Dallas County. https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/375/Boards-Commissions-Opportunities

Kids Can mentors are dedicated volunteers who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Mentoring matches meet once a week connecting through fun activities focused on STEM, the arts, reading and the interests of mentees. All mentors receive training and ongoing support from Kids Can staff. The year-long friends provide a caring, stable influence in a kid’s life.

Where and when does mentoring take place?
The mentoring takes place on-site at Kids Can Community Center on 48th & Q Streets and Druid Hill elementary - a Kids Can Site, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

What kinds of activities do mentors and mentees do together?
Mentor pairs decide what they want to do together. Activities range from building a robot, reading a story, to baking a pizza, to performing science experiments! Kids Can provides the activities and supplies necessary for your mentoring partnership needs.

Join us for a tour! Email Julie;  jmadsen@kidscan.org with the subject line - Mentoring Interest

To provide additional exposure to opportunities to aid in disaster relief, please find the application to volunteer with the American Red Cross following:  

American Red Cross Volunteer Application

The application process can take a few days and requires your authorization for a Background Check. Once your Red Cross application is complete, you will be contacted about your volunteer interest and referred to the appropriate department for necessary training.

To provide additional exposure to opportunities to aid in disaster relief, please find the application to volunteer with Omaha Rapid Response following:  

Rapid Response Volunteer Application

Omaha Rapid Response (Facebook Page)

Updated: 06/01/2026 3:10 p.m.

Help keep the office running smoothly while supporting programs that make a positive impact for foster and adoptive families. Create birthday cards for program families and volunteers, organize supplies for fundraising and volunteer events, sort incoming donations in the Love Box® Shop, and assist with various office projects. Also help care for indoor plants and outdoor spaces, contributing to a welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors. Build organizational, teamwork, and communication skills while giving back to the community.

Contact Lydia Gessner for more info!

Email: lydia@cedarvalleyangels.org

Enjoy the outdoors while making a difference this summer!

We're looking for someone to help with lawn care and outdoor maintenance while supporting the foster and adoptive community. Responsibilities include:

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working outside and wants to contribute to a meaningful cause that supports foster and adoptive families.

If you're interested or would like more information, we'd love to hear from you!

Contact Lydia Gessner for more information!

Email: lydia@cedarvalleyangels.org

Do you have an idea for how your team, organization, or group can support children and families experiencing foster care? We'd love to hear it!

There are many ways to get involved, including:

We are seeking teams, businesses, clubs, and community organizations that want to make a meaningful impact. By partnering with Cedar Valley Angels, you can help us change the negative statistics and outcomes associated with the foster care system while providing tangible support, hope, and encouragement to local children and families.

At Cedar Valley Angels, we believe there is a role for every volunteer. Together, we can create lasting change for those experiencing foster care.

Please sign up here if you plan to participate, but don't have a preference on what task you would like to do, or if all other spots are filled. This group is help fill in any gaps where needed. I will share placement once sign-ups have closed. 

Discovery Center Park is looking for volunteers to help with weeding around the park. 

Looking for ways to get involved in community theatre without having to be on stage? Join us at The Grand Opera House as an usher and/or behind the concessions stand! All community members are welcome to participate in either of these roles, regardless of how much (or how little) theatre experience you may have. 

When volunteering in either of these capacities, you'll receive  some exclusive perks! You will be invited to watch performances free of charge. On top of this, you'll also receive reduced prices on items from our concessions stand.

These opportunities are a great way to connect with the community. Under the leadership of experienced staff members, you'll be playing an important role in providing our patrons a Grand experience.

To learn more about volunteering at The Grand in these capacities or to sign up for a shift, please visit the Usher and Concessions page of our website HERE.

For assistance in signing up for a volunteer shift or further information on these opportunities, please contact Zaebian Machande (Patron & Volunteer Services Manager) via email, phone, or the Volunteer DBQ inbox.

Looking for a way to get involved in theatre that doesn't require being on stage? Join us at The Grand Opera House as a Backstage Crew Volunteer! We have lots of different areas that community members can make significant contributions to our productions from behind the scenes. You can contribute to set construction/painting, costume construction, creating props, and more! 

To learn more about getting involved as a Backstage Crew Member at The Grand, please contact Zaebian Machande (Patron & Volunteer Services Manager) via email, phone, or the Volunteer DBQ inbox.

MCSA is looking for volunteers to help with painting and cleaning in their day room, kitchen, and donation closets. All supplies will be provided. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the task and weather. 

Join the MFC for a weekend full of Juneteenth celebrations! Juneteenth (June 19) marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. 

Friday's event will celebrate the rich history of Black culture through art, performances, fashion, and food. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, and tear down. 

Join the MFC for a weekend full of Juneteenth celebrations! Juneteenth (June 19) marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. 

Sunday's event will have uplifting song and word with congregations across Dubuque! Volunteers will be needed to set up and tear down.