Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a Pellett Memorial Woods Workday! The program will be held at the Pellett Memorial Woods outside of Atlantic IA on September 26th 2026 at 1 pm- 4 pm (come and go). FREE! We are looking for those volunteers that wish to be a part of the preservation process may contribute by assisting with the removal of honeysuckle bushes. If you are wishing to help with this program please dress appropriately (wearing long pants, long sleeves and gloves), and bring loppers if you have them. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to improve one of Southwest Iowa’s best locations to observe spring woodland wildflowers! Pellett Memorial Woods is located just outside of Atlantic, ½ mile north and ¾ mile east of the KJAN radio station (63066 Troublesome Creek Rd). Snacks and drinks will be provided. A rain date is scheduled for September 27, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Join us on Saturday, September 26th at 1:00 p.m. for a rewarding experience! The Cass County Conservation Day of Service initiative is made possible through the Day of Service Training & Implementation Fund, a program coordinated by Volunteer Iowa and funded through AmeriCorps. This grant program is designed to build the volunteer capacity of local nonprofits and government organizations. Participating groups receive training in volunteer engagement, develop strategic volunteer management plans, and collaborate with other organizations, culminating in shared service efforts on and around September 11.

Help with hygiene kits that support families through difficult moments. 

Every person who walks through our doors deserves to to be treated with kindness — and something as simple as a travel-size shampoo or a fresh toothbrush can be the first small comfort someone experiences during their hardest days. As a Toiletry Drive Volunteer, you'll be helping us keep a steady supply of these essentials on hand for families we serve.

What you'll do:

Most-needed items:

Good fit for: Individuals, families, workplace teams, faith groups, scout troops, and community organizations looking for a flexible, low-lift way to make a tangible impact.

Time commitment: Flexible — from a one-week office collection to an ongoing monthly drive.

Why it matters: Hygiene items are among the most requested items. Your drive directly stocks the items available to families we serve daily. 

Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by phone at 515-989-8404, or by text at 515-346-8895. 

On Sunday, September 20, we will be hosting a Day of Service project day at the Hitchcock House. We are seeking volunteers to help weed flower beds & trim out trees, light cleaning in the House such as windows & dusting, as well as office work like putting labels on envelopes. 

This event is for all ages & physical abilities. Tools needed will be supplied, but we do ask that you bring work gloves if you are working in the yard.

Lunch will be provided. This is a come & go event from 12:30-4 or you can stay the whole time! 

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

Duties include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

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

Duties include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expectations:

·      Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits:

·      Build a relationship with a young person.

·      Witness a student’s growth.

·      Help keep the art of letter writing alive.

Clean Up Venue Volunteers will help us wrap up the Get Out & Be Social Community Event on September 21, 2026 by leaving the Cass County Community Building clean, organized, and ready for its next use.

Volunteers may help with:

Clearing and wiping down tables and chairs

Cleaning dining, activity, and serving areas

Gathering trash and replacing trash bags

Sweeping and mopping floors as needed

Cleaning kitchen and food-service areas

Taking down decorations and signage

Packing and organizing leftover supplies

Returning tables, chairs, and equipment to their proper locations

Loading supplies and equipment for The Gathering and partner organizations

Completing a final walk-through to make sure everything is clean and put away

Clean-up begins toward the end of the event and continues until everything is finished. Even an hour of your time can make a big difference!

No special experience is required. Volunteers should be willing to work as a team and help wherever needed.

The Gathering Cass County, Inc.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
No Questions • No Judgement • Just Kindness

Bake Bars & Desserts Volunteers will help provide homemade treats for our Get Out & Be Social Community Event on September 21, 2026.

Volunteers can participate from home by baking and donating desserts that will be served with our FREE community BBQ meal. This is a great volunteer opportunity for individuals, families, youth groups, churches, businesses, and anyone who enjoys baking!

Volunteer duties include:

Bake bars, brownies, cookies, or other easy-to-serve desserts.

Prepare desserts in individual portions when possible.

Package or cover desserts for safe transportation.

Label items, especially those containing common allergens such as nuts.

Deliver desserts to the designated event location at the requested time.

Help us provide enough treats for everyone attending our community celebration.

Homemade or store-bought desserts are welcome!

Every pan of bars, batch of cookies, or dessert donated helps us serve our neighbors and makes this community event possible.

The Gathering Cass County, Inc.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
No Questions • No Judgement • Just Kindness

Food Prep Volunteers will help prepare food for The Gathering Cass County, Inc.’s Get Out & Be Social community event on September 21, 2026.

Volunteers will work alongside other community members to help make sure our free BBQ meal is prepared and ready to serve to our guests.

Volunteer duties may include:

Preparing and portioning food

Setting up food preparation and serving areas

Preparing side dishes and desserts

Organizing buns, condiments, drinks, and meal supplies

Filling serving pans and keeping food stations stocked

Packaging meals as needed

Following safe food-handling and sanitation practices

Wiping down work areas and assisting with kitchen clean-up

Helping with other food preparation tasks as needed

No professional cooking experience is required. Volunteers should be comfortable working as part of a team and following instructions from the food preparation leaders.

This Day of Service opportunity brings volunteers together to provide a welcoming community meal while building connections with our neighbors.

Hosted by The Gathering Cass County, Inc. in partnership with the Atlantic Knights of Columbus and Atlantic Kiwanis Club.

Set-Up Volunteers will help prepare the Cass County Community Building for our Get Out & Be Social community event. Volunteers will work together to create a welcoming, safe, and fun space for guests of all ages.

Volunteer duties may include:

Setting up tables and chairs

Preparing dining and activity areas

Putting up signs and decorations

Setting up volunteer, food service, and registration areas

Organizing games and family activity stations

Unloading and arranging supplies

Helping partner organizations prepare their areas

Completing other light set-up tasks as needed

This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, groups, and organizations to work together while making a positive difference in our community. No special experience is needed—just a willingness to help!

Hosted by The Gathering Cass County, Inc. in partnership with the Atlantic Knights of Columbus and Atlantic Kiwanis Club.

The Atlantic Public Library is working with the Anita and Griswold libraries to assemble (and later distribute) personal hygiene kits. We need volunteers for the following times:

Tuesday, September 15 at 10:30 am to sort donations and set-up packing stations

Tuesday, September 15 at 5:00 pm to pack kits.

Wednesday, September 16 We need a driver or two to shift any left-over supplies from Tuesday between the three libraries so more kits can get packed.

Wednesday, September 16 at 3:00 pm to finish packing kits.

Please contact the library to indicate when you're able to volunteer. This is a good opportunity for groups or families to do together. Children are welcome to participate with a parent or other supervising adult.

9/11 Day of Service | Meals from the Heartland

September 11 is a day our nation remembers with reflection, gratitude, and respect. We honor the lives lost, recognize the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and remember the countless individuals who came together to help their neighbors in the days that followed.

At Meals from the Heartland, that same spirit of service is at the heart of our mission. Every meal packaged by volunteers is an act of compassion, providing nourishment to families facing food insecurity and communities recovering from disasters and times of crisis.

Join us for a Day of Service as we gather to honor 9/11 through meaningful action. Together, we'll package meals, recognize those who dedicate their lives to serving others, and celebrate the power of community to bring hope, healing, and resilience.

Event Schedule

Because even in our hardest moments, we are strongest when we serve one another.
Please sign up on our website- 9/11 Day of Service: Meal Packing Event

Volunteers will gather together for lunch and a collaborative afternoon dedicated to assembling high-need item kits, contributing to a community art project, and networking with fellow changemakers. This unique format celebrates the power of volunteerism as the foundation of a healthy community, offering multiple ways to make a tangible difference.

From 3:30-4:30, we encourage families to bring their kids to build additional kits. 

For additional information, the full day's schedule, and to sign up for morning programming, please visit uwstory.org/day-of-caring. 

test