Create your own campaign flyer teens

This post was updated September 2024.

Earn Silver Cord Hours at Hawk Home Football Games!

Looking to earn your Silver Cord hours? Join us at the Hawk home football game concession stand! It’s a great way to support your team while completing your volunteer requirements.

For more information: email Shannon Sandvig
Ready to sign up? Click here to volunteer

This post was updated August 2024.

Exciting new Sports Buddies program, which will be launching at Prairie Ridge and Northview Middle Schools this year.
The Sports Buddies program is designed to pair adult mentors/high school student with middle school students, encouraging participation in sports and physical activities while building meaningful relationships. We believe this program will offer a fantastic opportunity for students to stay active, learn new skills, and benefit from the support and guidance of a caring mentor.

2024 Sports Buddies Flyer

Activity Tables – They are simple and easy activities for any volunteer to learn. Instructions are emailed and reviewed in person with staff at the start of the shift and available at the work station. There are 8 plant related projects to chose from.  Shifts for these activities are 8:45 to 11AM, 11AM to 1:30PM, or 1:30 to 4:15 PM.  Volunteers can sign up for one or multiple shifts.

Anyone who has previously volunteered at the Garden should access their Vic-Net account and sign up for the shifts they would like.

New volunteers that anticipate only doing this special event should fill out an application at this link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2096990006

If anyone would like to volunteer at the Garden on an on-going basis they should fill out the application at this link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960

This post was updated September 2024.

Can Play is looking for approximately ten volunteers for each of the following programs.

Clive Floor Hockey
Dates: September 10 – October 15 (six weeks)
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Crestview School of Inquiry
Participants: 1st-6th Grade

Des Moines PAL Flag Football
Dates: September 12 – October 3 (four weeks)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Columbus Park
Participants: 4th-8th Grade

Sign-Up here

September 2024:

Friday, September 6: Luenell, Arrive – 6:45 PM, Doors – 7:00 PM, Show – 8:00 PM

Thursday, September 12: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Arrive – 6:15 PM, Doors – 6:30 PM, Show – 7:30 PM

Wednesday, September 25: Intocable, Arrive – 6:45 PM, Doors – 7:00 PM, Show – 8:00 PM

Contact Toni Roberts

P:515-348-6941     Email:  roberts@hoytsherman.org

This post was updated August 2024.

Join us for a day of family fun celebrating apple harvest season at the Applefest!
Help us show how past cooks would prepare and serve apple treats, such as apple butter, cake or pie, and cider! As a volunteer, you will help with our various activities such as crafts, historic yard games, and helping guests with pre-paid tickets.

Volunteers under 16 must sign up with an adult.

Shifts are 8:30AM – 12PM or 12PM-3PM
Sign up here

This post was updated August 2024.

Optimism Walk for the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

We’re using SignUp to organize our upcoming SignUps for the Optimism Walk on September 21, 2024 at Walker-Johnston Park in Urbandale.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp:  Optimism Walk Sign Up

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Sue Sandahl – Ph: 515-289-9644 Email: sue.sandahl@onwithlife.org

This post was updated August 2024.

We need quite a few volunteers to help make this event a success.

Light The Night Des Moines – September 21

At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night we gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers. The funds raised by this community fund lifesaving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Light The Night Des Moines will be held on Saturday, September 21 at DMACC – Ankeny Campus.

We need volunteers to help throughout the day in various roles:

1. Pre-event set up (1-4pm): Help set up the LTN Walk event before participants begin to arrive. This includes assisting with overall site sent up, including moving boxes from supply truck to the tents, setting up tables, assembling lanterns, getting linens on tables, and setting up signage.
2. During event (4:30-8:30pm): Various roles available including lantern distribution, t-shirt tent, team photos, etc.
3. Post-event clean-up (8-10:30pm): Assist LLS staff in breaking down chairs, tables, signage, step & repeats, etc. Load U-Haul and clean up the event area.

Please email Caroline.Barber@lls.org to sign up or visit https://www.volunteerlls.org and search for “Des Moines Light The Night Event Day Volunteer” to register as a volunteer.

This post was updated August 2024.

Need volunteers at the Prairie Dog Dash, reoccurring on Tuesday and Thursday, September 10-November 21 and March 25-May 15, weather permitting. Duties include running club during recess for any K-5 students, punching running cards for laps completed, and handing out charms as they are earned. Sign up here to volunteer or contact Heather James.<
This post was updated August 2024.

Saturday, September 28
State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. We are looking for volunteers for this year’s event in Des Moines where we plan to welcome up to 2,000 walkers! There are over 20 different volunteer roles with a wide range of times available.
Sign up
Contact:
Danielle Fuglsang
dfuglsang@alz.org
515.218.2675

This post was updated August 2024.

17th Annual Hunger Fight at Meals from the Heartland

Join us November 4-9 as we try to package 2 million meals in one week! We will be packaging at our West Des Moines Packaging Center at 357 Lincoln Street in West Des Moines. There are 50 (2) hour shift times available so there are lots of options and we would love to see you. You may sign up individually or with others. To check availability or to sign up go to 2024 AHF Sign Up

Questions? Contact Sandy Niland, Volunteer Coordinator, sandy.niland@mealsfromtheheartland.org or 515-473-9530

This post was updated August 2024.

October 27, from 2pm-4pm Prairie Trail PTO is looking for volunteers to create and host a trunk, serve food, DJ, or photograph the event. Sign up here or contact Sara Cline.

This post was updated August 2024.

Looking for positive male role models to engage with students during recess. Sign up here or contact Travis James.

This post was updated August 2024.

The Ankeny Community Theatre is requesting student volunteers to help out with any of the shows for the 2024-2025 season. Projects include costumes, lighting/sound, and marketing for shows in the future season. Sign up on our volunteer page of the website or email volunteer@ankenycommunitytheatre.com.

This post was updated August 2024.

We’re looking for compassionate volunteers to help in two key areas:

1. Child Supervision: Spend two hours supervising children (newborn to 10 years old) at the Community Resource Connection conference room, 641 S Ankeny Blvd. You’ll engage in activities like reading, playing games, and interacting with the kids. This opportunity is available on the 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. If you’re available to help any month, please reach out to Kate at kate@fostersquad.org.
2. Packing Kits: Help us pack diaper bags and backpacks with essential items for children entering foster homes. The kits include blankets, books, stuffed animals, personal care items, and water bottles. All materials are provided. If you can spare an hour to pack these kits, contact Kate at kate@fostersquad.org to arrange a time.
3. Blanket Making: One of the most loved items are blankets. You can help by making fleece tie blankets at your convenience and dropping them off at 641 S Ankeny Blvd. during business hours. The patterns should be kid-friendly. Instructions for how to make the blankets can be found here.

If you’re interested in either of these opportunities, please get in touch with Kate at kate@fostersquad.org. Your support can make a significant difference!

This post was updated August 2024.

NAMI Iowa, the largest mental health awareness non-profit in the state, is excited to invite students to volunteer at our upcoming walk on Saturday, September 28 in Johnston, IA. Mental health is a crucial issue for many students and families, and this is a great chance to get involved and make a difference. Earn Silver Cord hours while supporting a meaningful cause. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up on the Volunteer Sign-Up. To learn more about NAMI Iowa and our mission, visit our website at www.namiiowa.org.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a cause that matters to so many!

There are 3 different opportunities to help the Ankeny Fire Department get ready and serve our community during Fire Prevention Week!

All activities will be held at Ankeny Fire Station No. 1, 120 Ash Drive.

Sunday, October 6 from 4-6p – help set up the displays and activities for our Open Houses

Tuesday, October 8 from 5:45-8p – Volunteer at our Special Needs Open House. This Open House for individuals with autism, special needs or disabilities and their families; activities will be modified. You will be assigned to an activity, we will try to accommodate all requests. A light dinner will be served from 5-6p and you are welcome to join us.

Wednesday, October 9 from 5:45-8p – Volunteer at our general public Open House. A variety of activities will be available for guests, such as touring the Fire Station Headquarters, meet our firefighters, and fun safety activities.

You will be assigned to an activity, we will try to accommodate all requests. A light dinner will be served from 5-6p and you are welcome to join us.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084AADAE29A0FD0-51126035-fire

Please contact me with any questions, Amanda Swanson, Public Education Coordinator with the Ankeny Fire Department, aswanson@ankenyiowa.gov or 515-965-6478.

This post was updated September 2024.

Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!

Volunteers will assist with wagon rides, games, tickets, and treat sites. Feel free to bring candy or other giveaway items to share with our trick-or-treaters!

Volunteers under 16 must sign up with an adult.

Shifts on Friday and Saturday are 4:30PM-8PM, Sundays are 3:30PM-7PM
Sign-up Here

This post was updated August 2024.

Support runners in the LHF Cross Country Race as they immerse themselves in rural Iowa landscapes in our one-of-a-kind off-road race. Volunteers will help with packet pick-up, course support, and start/finish line assistance.

Volunteers under 16 must sign up with an adult.

Shifts:
November 5th: 8am – 12pm
November 7th: 2:30-6:30pm
November 8th: 11am-3pm, 3-7pm
November 9th: 8-11am
Sign-up Here

This post was updated August 2024.

Sprout Learning Garden and Food Forest invites Silver Cord volunteers to help with weeding and harvesting produce for donation. Volunteers are welcome Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-7pm to the end of August, or email sprout@drake.edu to arrange a time that works for you. Other volunteer events are posted on Instagram @drakesprout and on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sproutgarden. A Drake employee will meet you to answer questions and verify your hours. Tools and gloves provided. Sprout is located at 30th St. and Carpenter Ave. in Des Moines. Sprout is a community resource that serves the Burt Boys and Girls Club and donates hundreds of pounds of fresh produce each year to Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood. We welcome community groups and individuals to help us with weeding, harvesting, and maintenance from April – October.

Multiple volunteer opportunities with in the greater Des Moines area Habitat for Humanity construction sites, home preservation and the ReStore. Sign up to volunteer here.

This post was updated June 2024.

We would love help assisting elderly population with tech issues. These issues have been: Assisting in programing a universal remote, helping set up Peacock and showing how to navigate the service, programing an alarm clock, trouble shooting a cellphone (do not disturb got turned on by accident) starting a Facebook account, helping fix pop-up blockers on a laptop.

The student would go to each tenants apartment or they could meet in the common areas. This is dependent on the students comfort level.

Currently this is scheduled on Tuesdays with a flexible time depending on the students participation in sports. Nothing would be after 6pm.

Please email Michelle Hamilton. A volunteer background check will need performed before the student is able to start the program.

This post was updated April 2024.

Hope Agency DSM supports adults with special needs in living independently and maintaining friendships with those around them. We also support them in Special Olympic sports like bowling, basketball, flag football, and more. We are looking for 1-2 volunteers for Monday nights for an hour to help at our basketball practices! If you interested in this opportunity, please let us know! If you have any questions please reach out!

Contact: Toni Ness / Team Mentor / Direct Support Professional at tonin@hopeagencydsm.org.

This post was updated April 2024.

Earn Silver Cord Hours at Holiday Hullabaloo!

Are you looking for a fun and festive way for your students to earn your Silver Cord hours? Join us at Holiday Hullabaloo!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help spread holiday cheer from November 29 to December 31. Here’s what you need to know:

• Shifts are 4 hours long

• Primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

• Each volunteer receives a free ticket to enjoy the event

• You’ll be supporting Dorothy’s House, a great cause

It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference, have fun, and rack up those Silver Cord hours!

Interested? Follow this link to sign up:

https://www.holidayhullabaloo.com/volunteer-today

Let’s make this holiday season magical together!

Best wishes,

The Elves

Holiday Hullabaloo Volunteer Coordinator

volunteer@holidayhullabaloo.com

This post was updated September 2024.

Can Play is excited to be offering a fun summer full of many program opportunities for our participants and volunteers! We love having our Silver Cord/Volunteer students helping out at these practices!

Our summer is consisting of eight-week programs for Clive Baseball and Waukee Flag Football. We also are offering Summer Camps for more specialty sports, such as our four-day Ultimate Frisbee Camp in Waukee and our four-day Lacrosse Camp in Clive. Finally, we are excited to have our HERS Program this summer for a four-day Softball Camp in West Des Moines!

Please note that for our HERS program, we are only looking for female volunteers.

Here is our Sign-Up link for the program: https://signup.com/go/gZMOdUL

This post was updated May 2024.

Are you ready to embark on an epic journey filled with creativity, impact, and a chance to make a difference? Look no further – the IAA Youth Board wants YOU!

What’s the IAA Youth Board? The IAA Youth Board is not just a board – it’s a powerhouse of young minds shaping the future! We’re on a mission to bring fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to the Iowa Afterschool Alliance. If you’re between 14 and 20, this is your golden ticket to make a real difference! The Youth Board will be led entirely by youth.

From March to September 2024, members will convene monthly to develop a Day of Service project for September 11th. These meetings will be conducted virtually via zoom.

Why Join?

Make a Difference: Plan, develop, and lead a statewide Day of Service.

Connect: Forge friendships with like-minded youth statewide.
Level Up: Develop leadership skills and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Receive 10hrs of Silver Cord hours and Letter of Recommendation.
$250 Scholarship opportunity.

Apply here: Youth Service Board Application (google.com)

Contact: Kamryn Ryan, AmeriCorps Seniors & Capacity Building Officer – Volunteer Iowa at kamryn.ryan@volunteeriowa.org for additional information.

www.volunteeriowa.org

This post was updated February 2024.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is seeking volunteers for the 2024 Downtown Farmers’ Market. It runs every Saturday, May – October in the Historic Court District of Downtown Des Moines. The Market supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa. Volunteer opportunities are open for The Market and we’d love to see you this summer! Click here to sign up.

This post was updated July 2024.

The Optimist Club is looking for help with 1 or 2 routes during the year.
Each route covers 30-40 flags and takes maybe 1.5 hours in AM and the same in evening for pickup..
Our Optimist Club would like to team up with your students and support them financially.

Show your pride! Subscribe to have a U.S. flag displayed at your home or give as a gift to a friend. The flags are set by club members at dawn and taken down at dusk on these five holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Service is subject to weather permitting. Lightning or snow cover may cause delay or cancellation of delivery. The 3’x5’ flag is flown from a 10’ pole. They are placed in a permanent grommet set in your yard. The grommet is set low and will not interfere with mowing or activity. The poles and flags are property of the club and are stored and maintained by the club. Sign up with your neighbors and show your pride throughout your neighborhood. You can also purchase a subscription as a gift for a friend or family. A one year subscription is only $37 and Each additional flag is $35. 100% of the proceeds help support Ankeny’s youth and families.

For questions call: Mark Feilmann – ph# 641-485-1040 Ray Morley – ph# 515-964-8903 Interested in becoming a club member or a Friend of Optimist supporter?

Contact us at:  www.ankenyoptimists.org or ankenyoptimists@gmail.com.

This post was updated February 2024.

We are looking for Day Camp Junior Counselors to help with our Summer Day Camps. Eligible students must be entering 9th through 12th grades in the fall (or graduating from high school in spring).

More information and applications can be found here – https://www.lhf.org/junior-counselors/

Contact:  Stacie Hooker, Director of Community Engagement, with questions at (515)278-5286 x 158 or shooker@lhf.org.

This post was updated February 2024.

The Ankeny Art Center values all our dedicated volunteers! Volunteering is a wonderful and fulfilling way for individuals and organizations to give to the arts and to the community. We have many different events and opportunities to volunteer at to help support a local non-profit!

View opportunities at: https://www.ankenyartcenter.org/opportunities

This post was updated January 2024.

At the Ronald McDonald House, we aim to provide a home away from home for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Families need more than just medical treatment during this difficult time. Our goal is to provide them with a supportive and comforting environment where they can focus on their child’s health and well-being.

There are a variety of ways that your students can get involved.

• Baking or Making To-Go Meals for our families
• General Deep Cleaning
• Tab Tops Collection

We also offer Service-Learning Opportunities for students 16 years or older. This program is an excellent way for students to complete their Silver Cord hours. The student will assist the house manager and volunteer coordinator with daily activities. The duties include:

• Welcome families, shadow check-in procedure and make families feel at home.
• Assist with House operations and upkeep.
• Assist with intake and documentation of donations.
• Assist with managing volunteer groups.

If you have any questions in regards to our volunteer opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact Maggie Siwinski at maggie@rmhdesmoines.org or 515-204-2005.

Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities

This post was updated February 2024.

Every day there are families recovering from dangerous and violent situations who wake up every morning wondering “how did we get here?”  They often are so perplexed it is difficult to plan for the most basic needs that most take for granted every day such as finding a safe place to live.
As a non-profit organization, the Freestore works with domestic violence and sex trafficking agencies, as well as multiple other human services agencies in the Des Moines area.  We provide donated furniture and household goods for families starting new and productive lives in a safe and secure environment, allowing them to focus instead on rebuilding their lives.

We are asking for your assistance in accomplishing our mission.  Volunteers are needed.The Freestore is unique in that the organization is totally run by volunteers – no one at the Freestore receives a salary. With your help, many more families escaping abusive home environments will be able to move on with their lives.
There are a variety of ways for your company or organization to become involved!

• Pick up donations or deliver furniture and other household goods to qualified families with the use of our trucks.
• Assist in the warehouse with various tasks such as putting together modular furniture, sorting donations, organizing stock, etc.
• Sponsor a “fill-up-the-truck” drive at your chosen location to receive gently used household goods or monetary donations for the purchase of much-needed items.

We need teams of 3-6 to assist either on an ad hoc basis (you pick the time and date that works for you) or on a regularly scheduled ongoing commitment as infrequently as once every 4-6 weeks.

Consider the positive impact the Freestore has on the environment.  Gently used furniture and household goods are going to some of the most vulnerable in our community instead of to a landfill!

Please reach out to us at Sharon.f.steffen@gmail.com or kfrank1214@gmail.com for any questions you may have or to schedule a volunteer event. We would love to have you on board!

This post was updated February 2024.

The Ankeny Service is looking for volunteers to help with the needs of the elderly. Our program is focused on helping seniors who live at home do everyday tasks.  Tasks vary from taking out the garbage all the way to explaining the remote.  The requests from seniors come in all the time and having volunteers willing and ready to help is a great way for us to quickly help with needs.

Find our more info on our website.

You can turn in your application to volunteer online or in our office at:
641 S. Ankeny Blvd., Suite H
Ankeny, Iowa 50023

For more information please email us.

This post was updated August 2023.

The Des Moines Public Library has the Rosie Reader Outreach and Simple Steps early literacy initiative that provides early literacy activity bags for DMPS preschoolers. The downtown library is looking for students who could commit to a couple of hours each week to help prepare 1,300+ bags.

Interested students can email Ashley Molzen at the DMPL to learn more: ARMolzen@dmpl.org

This post was updated February 2024.

Foster SQUAD is an organization that aims to support foster parents and children in our community. Every other month Foster SQUAD holds a support group for foster parents. We are looking for 2 volunteers every other month to provide child care during this support group. This volunteer opportunity would be available every other month for an hour and a half in the evening.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Foster SQUAD please email Tara at tara@fostersquad.org.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens is looking for volunteers to be Assistants for our Summer Camp Programs. A commitment for a week is required. Camps are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 till 4:30. A background check must be completed for these positions. Anyone interested needs to fill out the application at this link: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1387062555. Emails will be sent to applicants the second week of March.

Join a dynamic team that is helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa! Volunteers are essential to our success and help carry out our mission by giving over 14,000 hours of service annually. Volunteers are involved in every area within the organization–share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating or supporting events and activities.

Visit the Volunteer Opportunities page. 

This post was updated February 2024.

Meals from the Heartland’s packaged meals help feed the hungry throughout the world. Meals are delivered directly to locations in Iowa, the U.S. and around the world — wherever people are undernourished or starving. When you volunteer to fight hunger with us, not only are you feeding hungry children, but meal packaging is an enjoyable, rewarding experience.

 

This post was updated August 2024.

PERFECT SCHEDULE for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers!

Come whenever 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 you to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling…flexible hours!

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.

Thank you!
Learn more at MH4H.org
Contact Kari McLaren – kmclaren@mh4h.org – 515.238.3482

This post was updated February 2024.

Candeo is a non-profit organization with flexible options where students can choose their level of engagement with our clients. Many of our clients are looking for someone to hang out with or a mentor who will commit to seeing them. Volunteer opportunities may include playing board games, cooking, book reading or assisting with yard work around our clients home. This opportunity is in alignment with Candeo’s mission, to inspire individuals in service to achieve their personal goals. Please contact Gerald Cofie or sign up here.

This post was updated February 2024.

Are you an accomplished band student that would be interested in delivering remote individual lessons for your younger peers? Please contact Christian Baughman.

This post was updated February 2024.