Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

The office assistant will support office personal through administrative and clerical functions.  An office assistant may help by answering phones, filing, making copies, data entry, making admission packets and helping with mailings.

Our Vigil volunteers are dedicated individuals who provide emotional support and companionship to patients and their families in their final days of life.  They sit bedside, offering comfort through conversation, prayer, music or simply just being present.

Our compassion visits can be anything from holding a patient's hand, reading to the patient, talking with the patient to watching TV, listening to music and playing games.

Our compassion visits are all about meeting the patient where they are at.  Visits can be anything from holding a patient's hand, reading to the patient, talking with the patient to watching TV, listening to music and playing games. 

Bell Ringers volunteer to spend time manning Red Kettles at area businesses seeking donations. Funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign account for 86% of our annual budget, which allow The Salvation Army to serve the community through meals, food and other basic needs assistance, shelter and more.

Volunteers are needed to assist with transporting Bell Ringers safely to their sites and retuning them to the Salvation Army.

Helping to drive a route during the kettles could save us time, money and resources!! It takes a great team to make this happen and we appreciate any time you can give us! Driving one route for us could save us $25-$30 in payroll (not to mention the appreciation from the team who work very hard during this season!!)

What to do:

- Complete a Salvation Army MVR (Captains or Ellie)

- Sign up for a time to drive – could be, say, every Tuesday during the pm shift or just here and there are you ae able. (talk with Ellie or Captains)

- Go to the DMV and get a Class D sticker on your license – so you can drive our 12 passengers (we can reimburse you).

- If you feel like you’d like to practice driving the 12 passengers, no problem! We can arrange that.

Volunteer bell ringers are more than an icon of the Christmas season; they're the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises the funds that sustain the help The Salvation Army provides all year long. When you volunteer to stand at a kettle, you're not just ringing a bell…you're changing lives.

Join The Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls this holiday season. More information and sign-up here!

We are looking for volunteers to help with math and spelling homework at our afterschool program from 4:00-5:00 M-F. A great opportunity for a small group to volunteer together each Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. To get started email niki@flickingerlearning.org or call 563-288-9000. Follow us on Facebook at Flickinger Learning! www.flickingerlearningcenter.org

As the Season of Giving approaches, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference in our community. The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is on a mission to ensure every family has access to a warm, nutritious meal this holiday season — and we need your help to make it happen!

By volunteering with us, you can share the joy of the season and bring comfort to those who need it most. Whether you come as an individual or with a group, your support will have a lasting impact.

Let’s come together to make this holiday season brighter for all!

Interested in gaining silver cord hours? Come read books, help with STEM activities, and play Sumdog math games with our kids ages K-6th. We would love to have you! Our program runs M-F 3:15-5:15 email niki@flickingerlearning.org or call 563-288-9000 to get started. Other ways to pick up Silver Cord hours at FLC: cleaning, shelving books, entering books in Excel, help with fundraisers like Bingo or Trivia. Follow us on Facebook at Flickinger Learning to see what we do!

Christmas Store - Calling and Scheduling Neighbors in Need We are seeking individuals and small groups of faith to call back Christmas Store applicants to verify number of children, contact information, and schedule which location and time fits their schedule. We will serve approximately 700 families in need with Christmas gifts for their children. We offer prayer at the close of the phone call. A script is provided and all information will be reviewed and scheduled on a computer. Phone calls take approximately 5-10 minutes each. Staff members will be present to assist. Individuals can volunteer between the hours of 9-3pm, groups can volunteer between the hours of 4-7pm. Volunteers can sign up with this link, via VCCV, or contact us at info@loveinccv.org.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to get involved but may not be able to commit on a weekly or monthly basis. The Young Women's Resource Center offers three essential resource closets to support participants: the Baby Hub, the Food Pantry, and the Care Closet.

Tasks include:

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.

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of keeping families together through our Integrated Family Care program! Castle Monday is a special evening at the historic Joslyn Castle on December 1, where guests will hear stories from families and mentors, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and learn how to support this important work.

We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help make the night run smoothly — greeting and checking in guests, answering questions, assisting with event activities (like the silent auction and wine pull), and sharing in the joy of this community celebration. Come be part of an inspiring evening that helps families find hope, stability, and home.

Siena Francis House serves approximately 375 individuals per meal, providing three meals a day, every day of the year.

We need your help unloading pallets of canned goods and restocking our pantry so we can continue serving our guests warm, healthy meals. Volunteers should come prepared to organize and put away pantry items and help keep our pantry space clean!

Winter Farmer's Market is seeking smiling, cheerful morning people to help run our Market Info. Booth each week! It's a great way to meet our local farmers, learn more about where your food comes from, and get out of the house during those long winter months. Tasks include:

Volunteer staff will work in a private office monitoring the activities of the shelter. Checking guests in and out, answering the phone, and maintaining awareness are your responsibilities. Our work environment is peaceful. We have a kitchen and a smart tv for your use. 

We have four and eight hour volunteer shifts primarily on evenings and weekends and may be opportunities on 11pm-7 AM shift. 

A background check must be completed prior to volunteering. 

To learn more, visit our website and submit an inquiry form: https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/emt

Our EMT is currently made up of 70 volunteers who work closely with Festival staff leading up to the Festival and then manages specific areas on-site including load in, load out, general volunteers, troubleshooting, etc. Essentially, the EMT is the eyes and ears of the Festival ensuring everything runs smoothly and our guests and participants are having their best experience. Volunteer areas of focus include:

Artist Relations
Food Vendor Relations
Interrobang Film Festival
Tech/POS Support
Merchandise Sales
On-Site Office Management
Festival Production
DMAF Programs
Sponsor Relations
Stage Management 
Sustainability
VIP Club
Volunteer Relations

High School Students - if you're looking for silver cord hours, we recommend signing up for General Volunteer shifts! Shifts will be live April 7, 2026.

Fundraising Committee Volunteer
Commitment: 1-year term
Meetings: Second Tuesday of every month, 1–2 PM

Fundraising is about so much more than asking for money — it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to support our mission. We’re looking for a diverse team of volunteers to help organize, strategize, and energize our fundraising efforts.

Whether you’re great at planning and prepping materials, researching potential donors, writing heartfelt thank-you notes, or inviting others into our work — there’s a place for you here.

We’re especially seeking volunteers who bring strengths in the following areas:

Connector / Networker – You know people and love connecting them. You attend events, enjoy expanding your network, and are comfortable talking about what we do in a way that inspires others to get involved.

Brainstormer – You’re full of ideas and not afraid to share them. You can help reimagine our capital campaign, provide honest and constructive feedback on materials, and help refine our messaging and approach.

Researcher – You’re curious and strategic. You enjoy digging into data, identifying potential donors and funding sources, and helping us prioritize opportunities that will have the greatest impact.

Event Planner – You’re organized, creative, and connected. You bring experience (or enthusiasm!) for planning meaningful experiences and can help elevate our Living Library event concept through partnerships, logistics, and innovation.

If you’re passionate about helping others see the power and purpose behind our mission, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we can create lasting impact — one relationship at a time.

Gather your fellow elves and join us at Momentum Art Studio for a merry day of making magic behind the scenes. With holiday tunes playing, you’ll help tidy the studio, organize supplies, and prep canvases with gesso, ensuring they're as white as the freshly fallen snow. Perfect for groups of 3–5 who love teamwork, laughter, and spreading cheer while making a real impact in the arts community.

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

Are you an artist who loves to share your gifts? This season, sprinkle a little holiday magic at Momentum Art Studio by leading a festive, hands-on workshop or art demonstration. Whether it’s painting winter wonderlands, crafting ornaments, or exploring cozy creative themes, your time and talent can bring joy and inspiration to artists living with disabilities and mental health conditions. Workshops can be one-time or recurring, typically lasting 2–3 hours—just enough time to spread some creative cheer and make spirits bright!

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

Future City Iowa is looking for volunteers to help with the Regional Competition in Ames, Iowa on January 17, 2026! The theme this year is, Farm to Table, and there are lots of ways to get involved, including virtual support!

For all of our Future City volunteer roles, we are looking for adults who are willing to support middle school students in exploring STEM careers. Training and rubrics will be provided for volunteers where necessary, and this is also a great opportunity for team building as volunteers can be grouped together.

Please complete the Future City Volunteer Sign-up Google Form here: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdL5RqbctnhlYZl2DLNi3gsdHnk2VjYTIu7QWnW6ifbt1WCfA/viewform?usp=dialog

Once you have completed the form and selected your areas of interest, the Future City Regional Coordinator will reach out with you to confirm details! 

Help us provide warm coats and winter-wear for those struggling financially in our community.  We believe everyone has the right to be warm and be protected from the cold Iowa winter weather. The following new and gently-used items are needed: 

Drop Off Location:  1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315

To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 48 hours for scheduling.

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.​

Try Pie employs a diverse group of teen girls with life and leadership skills through meaningful work! As teens work only after school, holiday volunteers join us in the kitchen to help the team keep up with seasonal orders!

Holiday volunteers will complete work in the kitchen that may include preparing packaging and pie materials to be used during the teen's shifts.

No food prep experience required! Age requirement: 18 or older, and not currently in high school. Willing to wear close toed shoes, hairnet, and bring a positive attitude! This opportunity can be made accessible to people with disabilities - please contact us for details. Holiday Volunteering is a short term role and not required to complete a background check.

More details and sign ups available here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BAFA828A7FCC43-58123240-holiday#/

Come help our guests celebrate the holiday season! Join us in spreading holiday cheer to individuals experiencing homelessness at our Emergency Shelter.

Volunteers will help guests choose a Christmas gift and serve holiday treats.

As we want Elf Day, our Holiday themed Community Event, to be a highlight of our residents year, we we need volunteer support. Let us know if one stands out to you; or, if you have any other ideas! These could either be done on or off site. We just ask that you provide the supplies as we do not have a budget to do so. (Must be 18 years or older to volunteer on site)

- Creating 150 Christmas cards for resident’s to receive on Christmas morning – filled with uplifting notes and well wishes
- Baked goods (150 servings) – who doesn’t love cookies and sugar loaded items during the holidays?!
- 150 Stocking stuffer kindness bags – along with a gift, we would love to extend the Christmas spirit with small goodie bags
- 150 Hot cocoa kits – a hot chocolate packet with mini marshmallows and a candy cane taped to the outside (feel free to add a handwritten note).

If interested please register for a task below. Donations can be dropped off before December 19th anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Learn more and take a virtual tour of our campus here: youtube.com/watch?v=YTshFDMScsM&t

Toilet paper is one of our most commonly requested items in our on-site hygiene pantry. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic we can all relate to the fear of running out of this essential need item. Many of our women still face this fear daily due to transportation and/or financial barriers that prevent them from being able to purchase this item from the store. Will you help put TP under our Christmas tree to support our residents through the holidays and beyond? Any amount will make an important and positive impact! 

Donations can be dropped off at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, located at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Or, send TP directly to our door using our Amazon wish list here:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PP32L4CYOWD3?ref_=wl_share 

Please contact nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org with questions!

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. 

One of our greatest needs at Ronald McDonald House is for home-cooked meals for our families. After a long day at the hospital, families are truly grateful for a hot meal waiting for them. This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for groups of family, friends, corporate teams, or teens looking to fulfill community service or Silver Cord hours. We have two Houses where you can volunteer: our House near Blank Children’s Hospital and our House within MercyOne (located on the North Side, 4th Floor).

To choose a date, please visit http://www.rmhdesmoines.org, scroll down to click on "Meal Providers," then select "Sign Up Here" to access our meal provider schedule.

FAQ

How many people can participate in our group?
We limit groups to 10 people due to kitchen size. For groups larger than 10, we suggest splitting up: 10 people can cook, and the rest can assist with housekeeping.

What do we need to bring?
We provide all cooking tools and utensils. You’ll just need to bring the ingredients. You’re also welcome to use any canned or dry goods we have available. Feel free to call us to check what’s on hand. *Please keep in mind, Per RMH Global Guidelines, we cannot accept homemade food prepared outside a licensed kitchen.

How much food should we make?
Please prepare a meal for 35 people for each House. If you sign up to make a meal for both Houses we ask you make a meal for 70 people.
To keep a consistent schedule, we ask that meals be ready by 6 p.m.

What time should we arrive?
The volunteer kitchen is reserved from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you’d like to come earlier, please call ahead to confirm kitchen availability.

Can we stay and visit with families?
You’re welcome to stay and visit with families during the meal. However, many families return later in the evening, so we leave the meal out for an hour and then store it as leftovers.

What should we make?
Feel free to be creative and have fun with your meal! There’s no need to worry about dietary restrictions.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, please reach out to Caroline at volunteer@rmhdesmoines.org or call 515-243-2111.

Thank you for helping us support families in need!

At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, we proudly serve families from Iowa, across the U.S., and around the world. Our pantry provides meals, sweet treats, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials for these families during their stay-and we would greatly appreciate your support!

If you’re interested in organizing a Pantry Wish List Drive or setting up a donation drive, please reach out. We can share details about the pantry and toiletry items currently needed.

If you’d prefer to donate directly from our wish list, please visit our website at www.rmhdesmoines.org. Our wish list covers items needed for both of our Ronald McDonald Houses. For donated items, we kindly ask that they be shipped to:

1441 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50314

This helps ensure the right items reach the correct House location.

For questions or to arrange a drop-off time, please contact volunteer@rmhdesmoines.org or call us at 515-243-2111.

Thank you for helping us make a difference for families in need!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Join us as we pack up Rooted Boxes — fun, hands-on kits that bring kids closer to healthy food through creativity and connection! Each box includes fresh local ingredients, a recipe, take home utensils, and an activity that helps kids explore the magic of nourishing their bodies and minds. Come lend a hand, meet great people, and help us spread some foodie joy to families in our community!

Looking for a rewarding way to make a difference in your community? Become a Hope Lodge Meal Volunteer and brighten the day of our guests by participating in our Cooking Up Hope program! Whether you're a master chef or a takeout pro, we need YOU to help provide a meal for our guests.

Our Hope Lodge guests are traveling from far and wide to receive cancer treatment, and your donated meals offer more than just nourishment-they bring comfort, relieve stress and ease financial strain during a difficult time.

How You Can Help:

Ready to make a difference, one meal at a time? Sign up today and cook up hope for those who need it most!

Private Group Details:

Did you know Santa Monica House has multiple donation areas across our locations? We're looking for volunteers to help sort, organize, and move clothing from seasonal storage to donation rooms.

Work alongside our on-site volunteer coordinators and make a meaningful impact with every folded shirt and sorted bin.

Whether you're a one-time helper or looking for a regular gig, we’d love to have you!

Interested? Reach out today to get started.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa has an exciting, short-term, mission-focused volunteer opportunity for you to work with elementary-aged girls to help them build courage, confidence, and character in Girl Scout Club!

This short-term after-school program is for girls in grades K-5 and takes place one hour each week, for five weeks. Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa partners with schools and community partners around the Central Iowa area to make these Girl Scout Clubs possible! Several after school Girl Scout Clubs are starting soon and we need your help as a club facilitator!

Club size, dates, and times vary by location. We’ll provide you with training, resources, lesson plans and supplies for each session, as well as ongoing support to deliver a positive learning environment for girls! Each week, you’ll lead participants in hands-on activities—encouraging them as they learn and try new things.

While participating in a traditional Girl Scout troop experience is the heart of Girl Scouting, some girls and their families have barriers and challenges that prevent them from having access to a Girl Scout troop. That’s where Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Mission Outreach programs come in! The goal of Mission Outreach is to meet girls where they are, in an effort to reduce barriers and expand access to Girl Scout programming, providing opportunities for leadership, adventure, and success. We work with youth-serving community partners in our council to bring high-quality, short-term Girl Scout experiences to girls. A part of the Mission Outreach program is Girl Scout Club! Club sessions are designed based off the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, providing girls an onsite and hands-on learning environment to explore the areas of STEAM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship to build courage, confidence, and character. All activities are girl-led and guided by a trained Girl Scout Club Volunteer! Our activity plans include: Self-expression and empowerment, Social relationship development, STEAM, Teamwork and leadership, Financial literacy and money management, Engaged citizenship. 

With the influx of medication donations and increasing need for medication assistance, we need your help. Our volunteers assist in logging incoming donations into our inventory.  Learn more about how you can make a difference in our community and sign up to volunteer at SafeNetRx today!

Do you like to have fun on camera? Want to be part of our light-hearted promotional or community spotlight videos — from silly skits to heartfelt stories? We’re looking for volunteers to appear in video content that helps promote events, causes, and businesses around Anamosa.

You don’t need acting experience or social media know-how — just a willingness to show up, have fun, and maybe wear a costume or two! Blair (our local video wrangler) will take care of the script and editing — we just need some good sports and friendly faces.

Flexible time commitment — perfect for anyone who wants to dip in and out of projects when it fits their schedule.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Iowa Chapter is looking for passionate volunteers to join our Board of Directors. If you’re dedicated to reducing the stigma around suicide, educating your community about suicide prevention, and raising funds to support life-saving programs, we’d love to have you on our team. Help us save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide — right here in Iowa.

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 711 volunteer resources across 324 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

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

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

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

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

Small 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 more accessible for everyone.

Ever wished you had a backstage pass to see everything that goes into a production? This is it! As a volunteer working backstage at The Des Moines Playhouse, you'll do much more than observe the action. If ladders, lights, and hand tools intrigue you, consider joining the Light Hanging Crew which carefully positions each light prior to a show. Volunteers are also needed to run the light board, followspots, and sound board during shows. And for a true backstage experience during the show, consider joining the shift/fly Crew. Crew volunteers stay busy changing the set during scene breaks and intermission - including scenery that is flown in from above! Staff will provide hands-on training for all roles so you'll be confident when the house lights go down. Join the team and let the fun begin!         

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage  

Come make a scene as a member of The Des Moines Playhouse set crew. We have a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy building and painting to assist the technical director in constructing the different sets and large prop pieces that star in our plays. We have jobs for the skilled carpenter and for the novice handyman trying to buff up some basic carpentry skills. On the same note, accomplished painters are welcomed and will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, but we welcome volunteers without any experience as an artist. We have a great team with a variety of experience levels, which creates an ideal environment for working together, learning new techniques, and sharing ideas. Volunteers will be trained on.  the detail set work.       

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage/

Want to be a part of the theatre without the stage fright? The Des Moines Playhouse needs welcoming individuals to greet patrons, help them find their seats, hand out programs, and help late arrivals be seated at an appropriate time and as quietly as possible. This team creates a memorable experience for our guests. In return, you'll get to see the show for yourself. Other responsibilities include making sure the theater is presentable for the next performance. You can volunteer individually, or bring some friends and family to fill the house positions needed for each show. This volunteer commitment begins one hour prior to curtain time and continues until the end of the performance. You can volunteer just once or for as many performances as you like. Come be a part of the theater and ensure that the show does go on.

CLICK HERE to sign up!

Have you ever pictured yourself on stage? Whether you are new to the stage or a seasoned actor, we have a spot for you! Beginning with auditions and ending with the final curtain call, staff and support volunteers are there to help. Many novices are concerned about learning lines or being nervous on stage - don't let this stop you! During the many weeks of rehearsal your role and character will become second nature. In fact, 50% of the actors who appear on our stages each year are new to the Playhouse! The stage awaits - contact us to learn more about upcoming shows!   

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/audition/

The next time you go to a play, you could lean over to your friends and say, "I made that." As a stitcher for The Des Moines Playhouse, you'll help build our costumes and put the finishing touches on projects. If you can sew, from simple alterations to full-scale construction, come spend some time in our costume shop and help bring our plays to life. If sewing's not your thing, you can jump in behind the scenes as a dresser or hair and makeup volunteer. Dressers are the extra pair of hands our actors need to make fast costume changes during performances.       

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage/

The Jingle Bell Run will take place at Terry Trueblood Rec Area.  The morning will kick off with activities for all ages and will include visits with Santa, a kids fun run, and a 5K.  We will need a wide variety of volunteer help including setting up, tearing down, help serving water along the route, putting signs/banners up, and more!  It will be a fun-filled event and all volunteers will receive a holiday themed event long sleeve t-shirt! 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Arthritis Foundation in providing tools and resources for the approx. 60M American's who have been diagnosed with America's #1 cause of disability.  

As a CASA volunteer, you will be empowered by the courts to help make a child’s dream of a forever home a reality. You will be the one consistent adult in these children’s lives, fighting for and protecting their right to be treated with the dignity and respect that every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life.  No special experience is required. At CASA we offer comprehensive pre-service training, coaching and monthly opportunities to meet with other CASAs. We promise you will have the support you need to feel confident in this role.

The following video captures the role and duties of the CASA in less than 4 minutes.

What is a CASA?

https://youtu.be/F5xth-p-9LE

3 times during the school year we teach our elementary students their financial literacy lessons at their school!  We are in all 11 Waterloo Public Elementary schools.  

We are in need of a helper to our Education Coordinator to assist in making sure the students are paying attention, helping with lesson activities, etc.

Would be during the school day for around 40 minutes.

Please contact our Program Director Seth Stearns at 319-823-1095 or seth@thejobfoundation.org if you can help!

As Chapel Tech Volunteer - You assist during our Sunday service by running the power point slides following along with the pastor as she goes through or service. Availability: 1-4 Sundays a month. Time: 10:00-11:30am. Training provided. Background check required. Email klunn@newaldaya.org or call 319-553-2219 for more details!

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.

United Way is looking for volunteers to read once a month to a pre-school classroom. 

Now is the time to make a difference in our community! Join your friends and neighbors to clean up and better our community and planet. A variety of events are held throughout the year—let's make an impact on our land and waterways this year!

Volunteer opportunities are posted by our community partners and the quantity varies depending on the time of year. This posting is about the overall opportunity, but more information about the specific events can be found on our website. 

To view and register for upcoming events, visit https://xstreamcleanup.org/upcoming-events

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/xstreamcleanup to see posts when new opportunities are added. 

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 711 volunteer resources across 324 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

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

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

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

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

Small 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 more accessible for everyone.

Help us make sure local students don’t go hungry over the weekend!

United Way of Mahaska County is looking for volunteers to deliver food for our Take Along Program, which provides weekend meals to students identified as food insecure.

What volunteers do:

How to help:

Help beautify the city by serving as a caretaker of a local park, green space, or trail with the Adopt A Spot program! This community partnership seeks to promote civic pride and maintain Cedar Falls as a clean, safe, and attractive place to live and visit.

Citizen engagement and volunteerism is a key component in helping the City uphold the cleanliness of our outdoor recreational areas. As part of this program, volunteers 'adopt' a park, trail, or green space location within the city limits. Suggested locations are listed, but if you would like to adopt a space that is not on this list, please inform the City Parks team. Organizations, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses are all welcome to get involved and make a difference!

Suggested Adopt-A-Spots:

Washington Park (598 East 9th Street)
Overman Park (316 West 3rd Street)
Pfeiffer Springs Park (910-916 Grand Blvd)
Lookout Park (at the intersection of Mandalay and Park Drive)
Gateway Park (206 Grant Street)
Place to Play Park (corner of Algonquin and Ashworth Drive) *HIGH-NEED AREA
Seerley Park (2315 Iowa Street)
Clay Street Park (15th and Clay Street)
Birdsall Memorial Park (12th Street and Lexington) *HIGH-NEED AREA
Orchard Hill Park (1701 Primrose/McClain Drive)
Bess Streeter Aldrich Park (2900 Hiawatha Drive)
Kuehn's Park (Rownd Street and Pleasant Drive)
El Dorado Heights Park (Quesada and Cordoba Avenue) 
Mayor's Bridge Trail (to Nordic Drive along Highway 58)
Big Woods Trail (1228 Big Woods Road)
Prairie Lakes Trail (924 Viking Road)
Paw Park (3200 South Main Street)
Skate Park (Seerley Boulevard and Grove Street)

Make a difference in our community by becoming a Cedar Falls volunteer! The City has a variety of opportunities including in the Cedar Falls Recreation Division, Public Works Department, Hearst Center for the Arts, Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau, or by connecting with City staff on a project or activity for your organization.

Learn more here!

Cleaning the Dowd Chapel in preparation of the Christmas season. This might include sweeping floors, dusting, and polishing surfaces. Cleaning may take place on any day in November up until December 10th. Please “sign-up” to express interest and arrange a time to volunteer with Boys Town.

Help to put up and take down several tables. Enjoy the celebration with special food, music, and dancing. Some light clean-up after the event. 

The IRC in Iowa is currently in need of donations of "lunch kits" for our newly employed refugees! 

These kits would include:

Your company, organization/club, family, or you as an individual can make a difference by purchasing these items for those new to our state and workforce. These items will continue to provide for them longer than the holiday season!

For more information please contact IRC in Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator, Kate Brockmeyer at 641-200-1985 or email Iowa@rescue.org

Our food pantry is very busy all year but especially during the holidays as families struggle to provide basic necessities along with holiday gifts. 

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is a home away from home for cancer patients and a caregiver when their cancer treatment takes them far from home. There are over 30 lodges nationwide with the closest lodges to Central Iowa located in Iowa City, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska and Rochester, Minnesota.  Our lodges provide lodging to patients who have to travel over 40 miles for treatment and come fully furnished thanks to the support of many generous donors. We are always looking for additional support through financial donations, or supplies including non-perishable items, paper products, and many other items that help to provide comfortable and clean home away from home.  If you or your company is interested in supporting our Hope Lodges, please reach out to us for our current "wish list" or supply needs.

There are also other opportunities to volunteer including doing activities with the guests, preparing meals or general housekeeping.  We would be happy to talk to you on how you and your team can give back and make an impact in the fight against cancer.

We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help!

Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please contact Mildred Chihak, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029. 

If you are ready to apply, please go create a profile on our website HIRTAHelps.org. 

We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help!


Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please contact Mildred Chihak, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029.

If you're ready to apply, please create a profile on our website HIRTAHelps.org.

Community Youth Concepts (CYC) hosts a Community Fridge at our building at 1446 MLK Jr. Parkway (Corner of MLK and Clark) to provide food and toiletries for those in need and to reduce food waste in our community.  With the refrigerator and freezer we are able to accept both fresh and shelf stable items.   In addition, prepared food can also be left as long as it is in either individual or family size containers (could be zip lock bags, sealable takout containers, etc. (please, no large buffet or other serving size containers)) and labled with what it is and the date prepared. 

Food can be left directly in the fridge or shelves as appropriate and there is access 24/7.  Fridge shed is located in parking lot behind building - entrance to parking lot is off of Clark St.  For large deliveries, please contact CYC during regular business hours  for staff support.  (515 -243 4292).   Popular items that move quickly are: 

To drop off items please contact CYC during business hours at 515-243-4292 or email julie@cyconcepts.org. 

Volunteers will take the Food Bank of Iowa's van and drop off boxes, signs and/or bins for the collection of food in the Des Moines metro. Addresses and training provided on site. Valid driver's license required.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Support/Training: Instructions will be provided on-site at the beginning of the shift.

Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18

Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes are required; no exceptions. Dress comfortably.

We are excited to expand this opportunity to more nurses: If you are an RN or LPN with a current professional license, the American Red Cross is eager to talk with you about an incredible volunteer opportunity at the Woodson Health Clinic at the Rock Island Arsenal.  Join a tradition of Red Cross nurses going all the way back to our founder, Clara Barton, by providing excellent patient care at a family clinic for our US Army personnel at the Arsenal.  The time commitment is minimal: If you can work one 5-hour shift per week, you will help meet the needs of the patients who rely on the clinic. This is an ideal opportunity for retired nurses or nurses who are working part-time.  If you want to give back to our military service members and continue to hone your clinical skills, we want to meet you and see if this is a great mutual fit.  Volunteers would work under the supervision of the officer-in-charge at the clinic, who is a Family Nurse Practitioner.   

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!

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!

GiGi's Kitchen is seeking a lead volunteer, co-lead volunteers, and volunteer assistants to assist our participants grow their skills in the kitchen!

Stock shelves for a good cause! The Cultivate Hope Corner Store is a small, nonprofit grocery store owned and operated by local nonprofit Matthew 25. Our vision is to make this community grocery store a vibrant space that brings neighbors together and provides a convenient location for healthy food in a food desert neighborhood. Our store offers a free produce section, affordable to-go meals, and food education as part of our mission to support a strong community, increase food security, invest in local people and neighborhoods, encourage healthy living, and express care for sustainably-grown food.

As a nonprofit grocery store, we are always looking for volunteers to help support this vital neighborhood resource. Volunteer tasks include helping customers, stocking and organizing shelves, preparing and serving food, and unloading delivery trucks.

Key Tasks and Activities

Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older

Time Commitment: Corner Store hours of operation are 9am-7pm Monday-Saturday. We ask that volunteers please commit to a minimum monthly shift.

If you love to tinker with tools and are looking for a way to give back to your community, look no further than the Tool Library! The Matthew 25 Tool Library is a community resource that provides easy and affordable access to a variety of tools. Our library has an extensive collection of unique hand and power tools from miter, jig and chain saws to power washers and paint sprayers. We try to have a tool for every job and more importantly, offer this service for anyone in the community to access the tools they need to improve their homes and communities, at no or low cost. Many of these tools are used for our other home repair projects with volunteer groups!

As a 100% fully volunteer-run program, we are always looking for volunteers to help us continue providing this vital resource for the community. Volunteer tasks include assessing donated tools, helping customers complete their checkouts, and organizing and maintaining inventory.

Key Tasks and Activities 

Requirements 

Time Commitment  

To sign up to volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application at matthew-25.org/volunteer, or give us a call at 319-200-2787.

Mainly lawn mowing, trimming and sweeping.

We are looking for a weekly volunteer.

The Grant Director oversees the full grant process for the Hopeful Mama Foundation, ensuring funds are awarded and disbursed with transparency, fairness, and alignment to the mission. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of the grant cycle, including:

The Grant Director plays a key role in advancing Hopeful Mama Foundation’s mission by ensuring grant recipients receive both financial support and compassionate guidance during their journey.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for supporting and engaging the organization’s volunteers to ensure a positive and meaningful volunteer experience. Key responsibilities include coordinating volunteer recognition initiatives, such as acknowledging milestones and special occasions, onboarding new volunteers, and serving as the primary point of contact for volunteer questions or support needs. The Volunteer Coordinator will also conduct regular check-ins, send thank-you correspondence, and assist with the planning of volunteer appreciation events. This role is essential in fostering a welcoming, connected, and supportive volunteer community.

The Graphic Designer supports the Hopeful Mama Foundation by creating visually engaging content across digital and print platforms. This role ensures all graphics follow brand guidelines and help strengthen the organization’s overall presence and messaging.

Key Responsibilities:

Desired Skills & Experience:

CoderDojo events aim to help K–5 students, their families, and their supporters “see themselves” in STEM. Our events are open house style, with open-ended “stations” that participants can explore through hands-on activities.  We need volunteers to help mentor at these stations with the primary goals of welcoming participants, encouraging them, and helping them if they experience unproductive struggles. Volunteers do not need to be experts in STEM, but can learn more as they volunteer as well.

"Riders Club answering service.  Are you calling about a ride which has already been scheduled?"

Riders Club is the car someone no longer drives.

Riders and drivers can be active 24/7 which means there are times they cannot find each other.  Since the office is only open for scheduling from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, we need someone to answer the phone outside office hours and on Holidays.

Work from any location that has a phone to help drivers, riders and the office!  Our phone system allows us to forward phones to any number.  We can even adjust the call destination remotely!

Our Ride Management System (RCA RMS) gives you all the information to help others get back on track. 

You will need web access and a computer.  Printing out the master manifest allows you to be mobile without using the internet on your mobile phone.  A common evening involves 0 to 5 phone calls. 

Helpful skills include:

Help from home!  and make a huge difference in other people's lives.

Do you like people?  Do you like to drive?  If both of these are true, we might have an opportunity for you!

Riders Club is the car someone no longer drives. We do this by coordinating volunteer drivers with those in need to provide a low cost transportation option in the Cedar Rapids area.

Rides are available 24-7 and the office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Let us know when you are available and we will set up rides according to your availability!

Come drive with us!

Become a volunteer driver with the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program and provide rides as requested from cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments. Most rides take place during the hours of 7AM-6PM, Monday through Friday. The frequency of requests and times vary daily depending on how many patients need a ride at any given time. Every volunteer driver donates their time and gas - and can decide how often to provide rides, when, and how far! This is a very flexible and meaningful program - which can be lifesaving for cancer patients who have no other transportation options.

Volunteer drivers must have:

* A current, valid driver’s license and between the ages of 18-84
* A good driving record
* Access to a safe and reliable vehicle
* Proof of adequate automobile insurance

Every volunteer must clear a background check and take an online training to help prepare them for their new role. To learn more visit cancer.org/drive or call 1-800-227-2345!

Do you have a passion for telling compelling stories through the written word? Are you skilled at creating content that not only engages but also drives traffic?

WRAP is dedicated to providing freedom to individuals who are homebound due to mobility issues. As a WRAP Content Writer, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission by developing high-quality, SEO-optimized content that informs, inspires, and connects with our community. You will collaborate with a passionate non-profit team dedicated to creating meaningful impact and help WRAP continue its mission of building accessibility and independence for those we serve.

Write clear, compelling, and concise copy in the organization’s voice that connects with our audience.

Create SEO-optimized content such as blog posts, landing pages, and metadata (title tags, descriptions).

Research and write service-focused blogs based on a content calendar; maintain a master list of blog topics.

Apply SEO best practices to boost visibility and increase qualified web traffic.

Edit and proofread content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

Monitor industry trends and explore new opportunities for content development.

Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail.

Experience with SEO strategies and content optimization.

Familiarity with blogging platforms (WordPress preferred).

Ability to accept feedback and collaborate effectively.

Self-motivated, organized, and able to take ownership of projects.

Contribute your skills to support a meaningful cause.

Gain hands-on experience in content strategy and nonprofit communications.

Build a professional portfolio of published work.

Work with a collaborative and mission-driven team.

Make a direct impact by helping individuals live safely at home.

Flexible hours and remote work opportunities

Join us in making homes and lives more accessible! Come join our team today!

Interested candidates can apply by sending a short introduction and writing sample to: Angie Zahradnik Ehle, email: intake@wrapiowa.org

Application can made at: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/449453408

WRAP welcomes and supports all volunteers, and The WRAP Program Manager is with you each step of the way!

Learn more about WRAP: wrapiowa.org 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

✨ Together, we build more than ramps, we build independence, safety, and hope. ✨

We are looking for child watch volunteers during our Community Classes. This volunteer watches kiddos in our playroom space while parents attend community classes and evening appointments. 

Tuesdays 5:45pm-8pm

If you have questions or would like to talk about next steps, reach out to Danielle Martens at danielle@guidingstarcedarvalley.org

We have volunteer opportunities available for both our lunch and evening meal services to help prepare the meals, serve, and do some light clean up.  Volunteer times are typically 9 am to 12:30 pm for lunch, served Monday through Saturday, and 3 to 6 pm for dinner, served Monday through Thursday evening.

As we step into an exciting new chapter at Dorothy's House, we're creating innovative ways to raise awareness and foster lasting support for our mission. One of our key initiatives is forming an Event Planning Committee - we're looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join us!

If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, we would love to have you on our team:

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills toward events that directly support and uplift the mission of Dorothy's House. Whether you're a seasoned event planner or just eager to get involved, there's a place for you here.

Help us make a difference - join this incredible team today!

To get involved or learn more, please complete a volunteer application at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/491571407 or email volunteer@dorothyshouse.org.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are looking for compassionate people who want to make a positive impact in the lives our hospice patients. Being a hospice volunteer will enrich your life, and you will build a deep human connection when getting to know our patients on a personal level. 

The Woodlands Senior Apartments is looking for a volunteer to call BINGO on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30pm. They are looking for a friendly person with a strong voice! 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are looking for compassionate people who want to make a positive impact in the lives our hospice patients. Being a hospice volunteer will enrich your life, and you will build a deep human connection when getting to know our patients on a personal level. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are looking for compassionate people who want to make a positive impact in the lives our hospice patients. Being a hospice volunteer will enrich your life, and you will build a deep human connection when getting to know our patients on a personal level. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are looking for compassionate people who want to make a positive impact in the lives our hospice patients. Being a hospice volunteer will enrich your life, and you will build a deep human connection when getting to know our patients on a personal level. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are looking for compassionate people who want to make a positive impact in the lives our hospice patients. Being a hospice volunteer will enrich your life, and you will build a deep human connection when getting to know our patients on a personal level.