VHS - NHS Community Service Clean Up

10-12 Grades - The National Honor Society invites you to join them in showing Valley Pride by cleaning up trash around our school! If you have free time before or after school or even an off period, please contact Mrs. Edwards at edwardsj@wdmcs.org or stop by her room 1630.

Who: 10th - 12th graders

Dates: Currently

Time: Before or after school or off periods

Location: Valley High School Grounds

How to sign up: Contact Mrs. Edwards to coordinate your time

Contact:
Jana Edwards
edwardsj@wdmcs.org
or stop by Room 1630

VHS - Boys and Girls Soccer - Scoreboard/Announcer 

Operate the scoreboard for home games, minimal announcing (script provided) 

Dates: 04/03/2021-06/04/2021 

Time: several games per week, times vary 

Location: Valley Stadium and VHS Tiger Field 
4440 Mills Civic Pkwy WDM, IA 

How to sign up: Email interest to: Nate Lingren (lingrenn@wdmcs.org)

For more information, visit: lingrenn@wdmcs.org 

Additional information: Soccer knowledge is preferrable. Ideally we'd like a few students who rotate games and can be consistent throughout the season. 

Contact: 
Nate Lingren (Assistant Activities Director) 
lingrenn@wdmcs.org
(515) 633-4249

VHS Honors Project – Risha Shetye – Valley Mental Health Project Speaker Series

The VMH Project is an Honors project organized by Risha Shetye. All students are welcome to attend the online series to discuss issues related to mental health in our community. Students can receive hours for participating in a discussion about mental health. Students will volunteer their time by participating in critical discussions that can open up inclusive spaces.

Dates: Sept. 23-May 31

Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Location: Over Zoom. A link will be sent out the day of the event.

How to sign up: Fill out our form to sign up.

Contact:
Risha Shetye
rs40453@wdmcs.org

Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award – Emma Thompson, (T.E.C.H.S.) Teen Electronics and Cyber Help for Seniors

TECHS, which stands for Teen Electronics & Cyber Help for Seniors is a program created to have high school volunteers meet with seniors living at senior living communities and help them with simple-fix technology questions. You do not need to be a tech guru, just have a general knowledge of typical devices and the ability to look things up on the fly.

Dates: Jan. 1-May 31

Location: Senior Living Communities (On Zoom for now because of COVID)
128 S 61st Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266

How to sign up: After applying to be a volunteer on the website, interested volunteers will receive an email regarding training and signing up for shifts.

Shift times: Shifts vary, but volunteers will be able to sign up for shifts via the calendar link after they have applied to be a volunteer.

Additional information: This program was created by Emma Thompson for the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award. Please fill out the application to be considered for this volunteer opportunity.

Contact:
Emma Thompson
wdmtechs@gmail.com
(515) 419-4664

2020 WDMCS Silver Cord – Des Moines Rocks, kindness rocks

On the Des Moines Rocks Facebook page there is a "forms" link which will take you to directions on how to paint rocks. May sure you take a picture of your rock and download it when you submit your hours online.

Dates: Ongoing

Location: Neighborhoods, walking trails and bike paths

Additional information: Des Moines Rocks is supported by community members, young and old, sharing joy and kindness by painting and hiding rocks to bring smiles to others in our community since 2016. Check out the Des Moines Rocks Facebook page or go to Pinterest for rock painting ideas.

Children’s Cancer Connection - Blankets 

Dates: Aug. 1-May 31

Location: Valley High School Counseling Center

Additional information: Two hours of Silver Cord Credit can be earned by purchasing the fleece, making the blanket. Students can make one blanket a month. PLEASE note: in order to get credit you must remember to cut off the salvage of the fleece as well as make sure you knot the strips (not just tie them once). To learn how to make a blanket please review the attached directions.

Links: Blanket Making Directions

Contact:
Cyndi Bonus
bonusc@wdmcs.org
(515) 633-4365

ASAP - Summer Kick-Off

ASAP, the After School Arts Program, needs 4-5 volunteers to help manage a community outreach event kicking off summer with Des Moines Public Libraries.

Participants will pick up a kit of art supplies with instructions to make the project. Some will grab and go; others may want to stay on site (outdoors) and make theirs, with ASAP's help.
No art experience necessary, just a willingness to help children engage with the art activity. Duties may include setting up and breaking down tables or canopies, filling water cups for painting, cleaning up spills, tying knots, threading beads, and more.

Date: 06/11/2021

Time: 1:45-3:15pm

Location: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Avenue, DSM 50314

How to sign up: email Stacie, stacie@asap-dsm.org

Contact:
Stacie Couvillon-ASAP
stacie@asap-dsm.org
515-528-4577

WDM Parks and Rec - Tom Karpan Relays

West Des Moines Park and Recreation - Tom Karpan Relays Youth Track Meet. Looking for individuals to help with events and hand out ribbons to particatants.

Date: 05/13/2021 

Time: 4:30pm-8pm 

Location: Valley High School Track
3650 Woodland Ave 

How to sign up: Call or Email Kevin Fitzgereld

Contact:
Kevin Fitzgerald
kevin.fitzgerald@wdm.iowa.gov
515-222-3453

ASAP - Summer Camp Art Assistants

Help is needed for the After School Arts Program's 13th Annual Summer Arts Camp, July 26-30, in Evelyn K. Davis Park (15th and Forest in Des Moines—off-street parking available). No arts experience required — just a willingness to jump in and help kids stay engaged with the arts. Activities (led by Teaching Artists) include painting, sculpture, breakdance, drama games/improv, fiber art, and more. Everyone helps with loading/unloading supplies, set up, and clean up, so wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Sign up for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, and come prepared for fun! 

Dates: 07/26/2021-07/30/2021 

Time: 12:15pm - 3:15pm 

Location: Evelyn K. Davis Park, Des Moines 
1400 Forest Avenue, Des Moines 

How to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAAAE2DA7F5C61-asap1 

Contact:
Stacie Couvillon
stacie@asap-dsm.org 

DMARC - Meals from the Market at Downtown Farmer's Market

Produce Collection: Volunteers will be stationed along 3 zones. Zones are sectioned areas throughout the market to make it easy for volunteers and staff to connect with vendors and transport donated items. 

Collecting donated produce in carts, helping a DMARC staff person load donations into a truck,  and if able helping to unload donations at the DMARC warehouse (1435 Mulberry Street in downtown Des Moines) 

Helping to put materials/supplies back in the totes and break down tables and stools at the MFTM  booth 

All volunteers please arrive a few minutes before your shift and meet at the Meals from the Market bright yellow tent, located near the corner of 3rd and Court. Look for DMARC Staff members for further  instructions. (Detailed information and map of the market will be provided in an email after signing up)

Support/Training: You will be provided with instructions and ongoing guidance from a DMARC warehouse staff person and Team Captain for the duration of your shift.

Safety Tips & Protocols:
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will follow social distancing guidelines in accordance  with COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. Masks will be required for attendees and vendors.

Dates: 05/01/2021-10/30/2021 

Time: 11 AM-1 PM 

Location: Court & 3rd Street, Downtown Des Moines Court Ave & 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 

How to sign up: https://www.dmarcunited.org/volunteer/

Contact:
Nisha Kishor
nkishor@dmarcunited.org
515-277-6969

Girls on the Run of Central Iowa - End of Season Celebration 5K

Volunteers needed to assist with different roles/tasks during 5K event, including set-up, tear down, course marshaling, merchandise and food tables, among others. 

Date: 05/23/2021 

Time: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (2-hour shifts) 

Location: Raccoon River Park ,2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265 

How to sign up: 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4baaaf2ba0f8ce9-girls1

Contact: Melinda Urick 
melinda.urick@girlsontherun.org 

Des Moines Renaissance Faire - Community Arts Fair

It's the oldest Renaissance faire in Des Moines, and we only produce family-friendly events. Our goal is to keep the traditional arts alive.  The Renaissance Faire is an event that hosts booths for community and arts organizations, has family friendly activities and food stands. Volunteers are needed to help with checking people in, taking tickets and handing out brochures if needed. Costumes are welcomed but optional. Face masks will be required. 

Dates: 05/14/2021-05/16/2021 

Time: Friday 4pm to 8:30pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 6pm  Volunteers are welcome to stay and enjoy the fair.

Location: Puttmaster at the Pines, Saylorville 2977 NW 66th, St. Des Moines, IA  Map is on the website

How to sign up: Katie@dmrenfaire.com

For more information, visit: www.dmrenfaire.com 

Contact:  Katie Ulin at katie@dmrenfaire.com  (515) 329-4309

Clive Community Services - Food Pantry Shopper 

Clive Community Services is seeking Silver Cord volunteers for Food Pantry shifts. Clients wait in their car for their order to be filled. You will be filling their order from inside the building. 

First time volunteers are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to receive instruction on shopping procedures. All volunteers must wear a mask and follow CCS COVID policies. A copy will be provided to you. 

If you or anybody in your family has any COVID-like symptoms, or if you know you have been exposed, you are asked to cancel your shift and reschedule after two weeks.

Dates: 6/4/2021-9/27/2021 

Time: Mondays 4-7 pm, Fridays 9 am-Noon 

Location: Clive Community Services 
2190 NW 82nd Street, Suite A, Clive 

How to sign up: Sign Up Genius
*NOTE:dates continue after school starts in the fall watch your dates carefully* Do not choose morning times after 8-20-21
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FACA62BA2FA7-food

Contact:
Lisa Earles 
director@clivecommunityservices.com
515-257-8550

Can Play (formerly Courage League Sports) - Courage on the Court

We need your help! Join us for this fun and competitive basketball game that allows individuals and area businesses to work together in a new way by focusing on enhancing communication, overcoming obstacles and stimulating creativity in teamwork. All while facing off against each other in this unique 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament!! 

Date: 05/08/2021 

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Location: Valley Community Center
4444 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265 

How to sign up:

If you have NOT voluntreered with Can Play previously, Click on the provided link: https://canplaysports.org/volunteer/

Those who HAVE volunteered with Can Play previoulsy, click here:
https://signup.com/go/zneEkVx

Contact:
Ariel Perry
ariel@canplaysports.org
(641) 414-6297

WDM Library - Donor Event 

Re-opening event for Donors: Set-up, Serving Food, Clean Up 

Dates: 6/11/2021

Time: 5:30-7:45 p.m.

Location: WDM Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265

How to sign up: Contact Jean Fajen at jean.fajen@gmail.com

 Contact: 

Jean Fajen
jean.fajen@gmail.com
515-669-6132

Des Moines Refugee Support - Free Stuff Store 

Setting up a store for refugees to shop. Cleaning up when done. Covid Mitigations: all volunteers and shoppers are required to wear masks. This is a time ticketed event, so that people get a ticket for their shopping time there will be a limited number of shoppers at any given time.  It is an outdoor event 

Dates: 05/01/2021-05/01/2021 

Time: 6 am to 6 pm 

Location: 4025 Lower Beaver (Debra Heights Church) 

How to sign up: Send an email to dsmrefsup@gmail.com

For more information, visit: Des Moines Refugee Support Facebook Page

Additional information: There are many jobs to be done from 6 am- 6pm. We need the most help from 6-10 am for the set up, and 2-6 pm for the clean up. Volunteers are also welcome to bring donations between 7-9 am. 

Contact: 
Alison Hoeman 
dsmrefsup@gmail.com 
515-478-0669

Can Play (formerly Courage League Sports) - West Des Moines Evening Programming 

Join participants who are eager to have fun and learn new skills as a volunteer. 

Dates: 5/06/2021-5/27/2021 

Time: 4:30 - 6 p.m. 

Location: Valley Community Center 
4444 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265 

How to sign up: Click on the provided link, follow the steps and sign up for the date that works best for you! 

Sign up Link: https://signup.com/go/uhQhFEt

Additional information: Masks are required but experience is not! 

Contact: 
Ariel Perry 
ariel@canplaysports.org
(641) 414-6297

Can Play (formerly Opportunity on Deck)—West Des Moines Soccer (Hillside)

Join 1st - 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn some new soccer skills as a volunteer soccer coach. MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL VOLUNTEER COACHES! 

Dates: 4/17/2021-5/15/2021 

Time: 9-11:30 a.m. 

Location: Hillside Elementary Fields 
713 8th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 

How to sign up: Click on the link provided, follow the steps and sign up for whatever dates work best for you! 

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/nEgeDUT

Additional information: Masks are required but experience is not! 

Contact: 
Ariel Perry 
ariel@canplaysports.org 
(641) 414-6297

Can Play (formerly Opportunity on Deck) - Clive Soccer 

Join 1st - 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn some new soccer skills as a volunteer soccer coach. MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL VOLUNTEER COACHES! 

Dates: 4/13/2021-5/11/2021 

Time: 5-7:30 p.m. 

Location: Crestview School of Inquiry fields 
8355 N Franklin Ave, Clive, IA 50325 

How to sign up: Click on the link provided, follow the steps and sign up for whichever dates work best for you! 

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/RaokWCJ

Additional information: Masks are required but experience is not! 

Contact: 
Ariel Perry
ariel@canplaysports.org
(641) 414-6297

WDM Girls Softball - Concession Stand Volunteer
Work the concession stand at Holiday Park. Several weekend and weeknight
shifts available.

Dates: 3/27/2021-7/18/2021

Time: Many different shifts -- follow sign-up link below for available times.

Location: Holiday Park Concession Stand (softball side)

How to sign up: Visit https://volunteersignup.org/4QEE3

Additional information: Face masks must be worn due to COVID-19.

Contact:
Holly Buchholz
Buchholz1x@msn.com
(515) 971-1362

Des Moines Arts Festival - Event Volunteer

The Des Moines Arts Festival is scheduled for June 23rd - 27th, 2021 in downtown Des Moines at the Western Gateway Park. Volunteer opportunities include; assisting artists, helping with children’s activities, assisting with the Interrobang Film Festival, selling merchandise, distributing ice to vendors and helping with set-up and tear-down. Please note it is the intent of the Des Moines Arts Festival to implement consistent and relevant protocols that will ensure a safe and comfortable environment for partners and guests at the end of June.

Dates: June 23 - 27, 2021 

Time: Shift times vary per event.  Most shifts are 3 hours in length.

Location: Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines

How to sign up: Register to volunteer at https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/p/volunteer1volunteer/volunteer

Organization website: https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/

Additional information: Volunteers must be 14 or older

Contact:

Iowa Senior Games

The Iowa Senior Games (ISG) is an Olympic-style sports festival for men and women who are at least 50 years of age.  Nearly 750 participants are expected for our 35th year. Friends and family are encouraged to volunteer in groups for this event, but there are spaces for single volunteers as well.

Dates: June 4 - June 13   

Time: Shift times vary per event.  Most shifts are 3-5 hours in length

Location: Valley High School and other West Des Moines locations

How to sign up: Register to volunteer at https://events.clearthunder.com/ISG2021V

Organization website: https://www.iowaseniorgames.org/event/summer-iowa-senior-games/

Additional information: Volunteers must be 14 or older

Contact:

Meals from the Heartland – Social Distancing Meal Packaging

Package life-saving meals for the hungry in Iowa, across the nation and around the world at the Meals from the Heartland Packaging Center in West Des Moines, following strict health and safety guidelines. Two-hour packaging shifts are available throughout the year – Tuesday through Saturday.

Dates: Ongoing

Time: See schedule for shift times

Location: Meals from the Heartland Packaging Center
357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines, IA 50265

How to sign up: Go to our website and click on the Calendar tab to review our COVID-19 volunteer safety, then click on the green button at the bottom of the page to see the available shifts: https://mealsfromtheheartland.org/covid-19-volunteer-safety/

Organization website: https://mealsfromtheheartland.org/

Additional information: Volunteers must be at least 8 years old

Contact:

Girls on the Run – Junior Coach

Find community, become a leader, and make an impact as a Girls on the Run Junior Coach! High school girls age 16 to 18 are invited to apply to be a Junior Coach in our community. Participating in this program enables high school girls to serve the next generation and can provide training, experience, and service credit. High school girls can benefit by being part of something meaningful.

Dates: March 29-May 23

Time: Jordan Creek 4-5:15 p.m. twice a week or Hillside Elementary M/Th 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Location: Hillside Elementary or Jordan Creek Elementary

How to sign up: Sign up at our link: https://www.raceplanner.com/volunteer/signup/2E7W6TQKJBA6HOP

Organization website: https://www.gotrcentraliowa.org/coach

Additional information: Volunteers must be 16-18 years old

Contact:

Des Moines Children’s Museum – Museum Volunteer

You will help us keep the museum tidy and assist in our thorough cleaning procedures to keep everyone safe and healthy. You will also get opportunities to interact and play with children and their families. As a nonprofit we are striving to provide an affordable place for families to go and keep our costs down with your help. Volunteers are required to wear masks and are encouraged to volunteer with friends. The Des Moines Children’s Museum is located at Valley West Mall.

Dates: Ongoing

Times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m., or 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Location: DSM Childrens Museum in Valley West Mall
1551 Valley West Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50226

How to sign up: Sign up using our sign-up form, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084da8a72ba5f58-volunteering, email holly@dsmchildrensmuseum.com, or text 515-419-6482.

Organization website: https://dsmchildrensmuseum.com/

Additional information: Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Contact:

Food Bank of Iowa - T-Shirt Totes

As Food Bank of Iowa mobilizes to meet the increased need for food we are in need of bags to support the mobile pantries and school distributions that have adapted via drive thru models.

Dates: Ongoing

Times: Work at home on your own schedule

Location: Drop off finished bags at Food Bank Iowa (2220 E. 17th St Des Moines IA 50316)

How to sign up: Students can make T-Shirt totes at home and drop them off at the Food Bank of Iowa. Parents can be listed as the contact person and can approve the hours through Silver Cord online. For instructions on how to make a t-shirt bag, visit: http://www.marthastewart.com/266942/t-shirt-bag

Additional information: T-shirt bags must be washed in hot water and detergent before dropping off at Food Bank of Iowa.

Contact:

Clive Community Services – Laundry Pod Packet (assembled at home)

Silver Cord volunteers can earn 2 hours of Silver Cord credit for assembling laundry pod packets for our food pantry clients. Take one laundry pod, wrap in a dryer sheet, tie with a ribbon or twist tie and put in a Ziplock. Each Ziploc should have five laundry pods packets in it. Volunteers should plan to donate at least 5-10 Ziplock bags full. Once you have made five pod packets put them in a zip-lock baggie. Deliver to Clive Community Services, 2190 NW 82nd St, Suite A. We are open for deliveries Monday 10-7, Wednesday 10-2, Friday 9-Noon. After delivery, your parent can sign off on your service. Thank you!

Dates: Ongoing

Time: Drop off finished packets at Clive Community Services on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Location: Assemble laundry pod packets at home and drop off at Clive Community Services (2190 NW 82nd Street, Suite A, Clive, IA 50325).

Organization website: https://clivecommunityservices.com/

Contact:

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue 

(Rolling newspapers for rescued pets - papers provided!)

This is perhaps one of the easiest volunteer jobs ever! Rolls of potty-training newspapers are needed for puppies in foster care. A volunteer from AHeinz57 will drop off a stack of newspapers and rubber bands for you, and pick them up when you are done. All you do is roll the papers up! There is a short video available to teach you exactly what to do.

Dates: Ongoing

Location: At home

How to sign up: Contact Teri Nizzi at teri.nizzi@aheinz57.com or (515) 971-1919.

Contact: