Pre-Approved Activities
District Volunteer Opportunities
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Fairmeadows - Chess Club
Fairmeadows Chess Club will meet in the Fairmeadows Elementary Media Room every Thursday afternoon from 3:55pm-4:45pm from January 5th, 2023, until May 25th, 2023 (no chess club March 16th over spring break).
We are looking for 1-3 Silver Cord volunteers each week to coach and encourage the kids while they play chess.
Dates: 01/05/2023-05/25/2023
Time: 3:55pm-4:45pm
Location: Fairmeadows Elementary
807 23rd Street, West Des Moines IA 50265How to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0544A9A92AA13-fairmeadowsContact:
Patti Manna
pattimanna@gmail.com
515-321-4185 -
Westridge Elementary - Library Assistant
You will mostly shelve books and straighten the shelves. You may also help with special projects or book displays. You can choose your hours any time during the Westridge school day: 9:00-4:15 on M,T,Th,F and 9:00-3:30 on Wed.
Dates: Through 05/26/20223
Location: Westridge Elementary Library
5500 E.P. True ParkwayHow to sign up: Email Mrs. James at jamesk@wdmcs.org
Contact:
Kimberly James
jamesk@wdmcs.org
515-633-5436 -
Community Education - Clive Programing Club
Assist teachers with students in grades 4-6th during the programming club.
Dates: 11/03/2022-12/15/2022
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: Clive Learning Academy Media Center
1600 73rd St., Windsor HeightsHow to sign up: email Sue Otte at ottes@wdmcs.org
Additional information: https://wdmcs.ce.eleyo.com/course/943/classes-fall-2022/clive-programming-cl ub-create-your-own-video-games-grades-4-6
Contact:
Sue Otte
ottes@wdmcs.org
515-633-5007 -
Valley/VSW PTO - Cookie Box Event
Prepare home baked cookies to donate and/or help with packaging cookies for holiday staff appreciation cookie boxes. Cookie boxes will be given to all staff at Valley, Valley Southwoods, and Walnut Creek Campus. One Silver Cord hour will be given for every 2 dozen standard size homemade cookies donated. Silver Cord hours are also available for setting up and packaging donated cookies.
Cookie donations should be dropped off between 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022. Packaging of the cookies will take place from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Please note: Silver Cord hours are not available for store-bought cookies.)
Dates: 12/11/2022
Time: Cookie donations received from 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Packaging help from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Valley High School (in front of the school office)
3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up: Online form: https://forms.gle/QZ9JyQBfok8Rgyza6
For more information, visit: https://forms.gle/QZ9JyQBfok8Rgyza6
Contact:
Andi Lipman
andilipman@gmail.com
515-770-7888 -
Children's Cancer Connection - Blankets
The Children’s Cancer Connection is collecting blankets to send with kids to camp. Handmade polar fleece tie blankets for both boys and girls ages 5-18 are needed.
Please drop off blankets with your name and date together in a plastic bag to the VSW main office or the Silver Cord office in the Valley Counseling Center. Two hours of Silver Cord Credit can be earned by purchasing the fleece, making the blanket and turning it in. Students can make one blanket a month from August to May only. 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). 2 yards of fabric should be used for both sides.To learn how to make a blanket, please review the attached directions.
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WDMCS - Early Childhood Programs - Parent Engagement Group Child Care Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to provide care for children whose parents are participating in various parent engagement groups. Structured and unstructured activities for you to do with children will be provided.
Dates: 08/22/2022-12/22/2022
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Learning Resource Center Preschool Room
3550 Mills Civic PkwyHow to sign up: Complete the Google Form to Register for dates that you are available. https://forms.gle/QzECNskfTQsgwuLN6
Contact:
Emily Brott
brotte@wdmcs.org
515-633-5028 -
VHS - Booster Club - Concession Stand
Assist in the Valley Booster Club concession stands at home athletic events. Assist with serving hot dogs, popcorn, and other concession food and beverage items
Dates: 08/25/2022 -
Location: Various Valley athletic facilities
How to sign up: https://signup.com/go/VqZRnAp
Contact:
Lori Brieiholz
vtbcvolunteers@gmail.com
Metro Volunteer Opportunities
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Botanical Garden - Winter Break Volunteering
Welcome guests and help them learn about tropical topics. Activities are easy to learn and instructions provided.
Dates: 12/27/2022-12/31/2022
Time: See additional information for shift times
Location: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IowaHow to sign up: Complete application on our website
For more information, visit:
https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/volunteer/Additional information: Volunteers can assist with one or multiple shifts any day or days. Great for those comfortable interacting with the public and enjoy learning! Four different activities are available per shift.
Dates and shifts: 12/27 – 12/30:10 – 1:30 & 1:30 – 5PM
12/31: 10:00 – 12:30 & 12:30 – 3PM
Contact:
Kathy Bernreuter
volunteer@dmbotanicalgarden.com
515 323-6293 -
Can Play - West Des Moines Community Programming
We are looking for volunteers for our evening kids and adult programming in West Des Moines! Join participants who are eager to have fun, learn new sports skills and be physically active! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
Dates: 01/12/2023-02/02/2023
Time: Thursdays: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: RecPlex
6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up: Sign up through our Signup.com link:https://signup.com/go/PWsdBVV
Contact:
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-494-5725 -
Can Play - West Des Moines Community Programming
We are looking for volunteers for our evening kids and adult programming in West Des Moines! Join participants who are eager to have fun, learn new sports skills and be physically active! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
Dates: 12/08/2022-12/22/2022
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: RecPlex
6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up: Sign up through our Signup.com link: https://signup.com/go/zTTjeQF
Contact:
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-494-5725 -
Can Play - Opportunity Des Moines Basketball and Dance
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2023 Opportunity Des Moines Basketball and Dance program. Join 1st through 5th-grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball and dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
Dates: 01/05/2023-02/23/2023
Time: Thursdays: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Pioneer-Columbus Community Recreation Center
2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315How to sign up: Sign up through our Signup.com link:
https://signup.com/go/wbuTHrmContact:
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-494-5725 -
Meals from the Heartland - MLK Day of Service
Together with the City of West Des Moines, we announce the 2023 MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 16.
Join us at our West Des Moines Packaging Center for a 1.5 hour packaging shift to help feed starving children.
Dates: 1/16/23
Location: Meals from the Heartland
357 Lincoln Street | West Des Moines, IA 50265How to sign up: http://community.mealsfromtheheartland.org/site/Calendar/848867562?view=Detail&id=105384
For more information, visit:
https://mealsfromtheheartland.org/get-involved/ways-to-volunteer/Contact:
Sandy Niland
Sandy.Niland@mealsfromtheheartland.org
515-473-9530 -
Respite Connection - Holiday Bowling Party
Volunteers are needed for a large bowling party this Sunday! This is a really fun event! We serve people of all ages with disabilities and this party is for their whole family! There will be Santa, free pizza (for you too), crafts, karaoke, face painting/tattoos, etc!
- Sign up for all or part of the day – the party is 2 pm to 5pm. We rent the WHOLE bowling alley for this party.
- We need volunteers starting at 1 pm to help set up, until 5:30 pm to help clean up after.
Dates: 12/11/2022
Time: 1 pm to 5pm
Location: Val Lanes Recreation Center
63rd and Ashworth, WDM 100 Ashworth Rd. WDMHow to sign up: email or text Missy - missy@respiteconnection.com 515.577.7129
For more information, visit:
https://www.respiteconnection.com/event/respite-connection-holiday-bowling-party/Additional information: send me the times you can come - any time 1 pm to 5:30 pm! Free pizza, crafts, cookies, karaoke, etc - fun!
Contact:
MIssy Ringgenberg
missy@respiteconnection.com
515.577.7129 -
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden - Admission Desk / Garden Shop Assistant
Admission Desk and Garden Shop Assistant: Learn to process admission and gift shop transactions, engage with guests, assist with various duties in the shop. Volunteers should be able to assist A MINIMUM OF 1 -2 TIMES A MONTH. TRAINING PROVIDED. Perfect for those who enjoy working with the public and assisting others.
- Weekend shifts: 10 – 1:30 or 1:30 – 5 (Jan – Mar on Sunday afternoons assist during our Blues concert series!)
- Dome After Dark, Friday evenings, Dec – Mar, 5:45 – 8PM (2) & 5:45-9PM (1)
Dates: 12/09/2022-03/31/2023
Location: 909 Robert D Ray Dr.
909 Robert D. Ray Dr.How to sign up: New volunteers fill out a volunteer application: https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/volunteer/
Returning volunteers sign up on your online account:
https://www.volgistics.com/ex2/vicnet.dll?From=141178For more information, visit:
https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/volunteer/Additional information: These openings should be considered an ongoing commitment
Contact:
Kathy Bernreuter
volunteer@dmbotanicalgarden.com
515-323-6293 -
Bidwell Riverside Center - Bidwell Holiday Toy Pantry
Volunteers are needed to welcome families into the event and help them find toys for each of their children.
Dates: 12/10/2022-12/17/2022
Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Location: Bidwell Riverside Center
1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315How to sign up: Volunteers can sign up at https://signup.com/go/ePvbpDA
For more information, visit:
https://signup.com/go/ePvbpDAAdditional information: The Bidwell Toy Pantry is getting brand new toys, stocking stuffers, stuffed animals, hats and gloves, and blankets for over 1500 children for the holiday season this December. Volunteers are needed to welcome families in to the event and help guide them through the building to find toys and gifts for their children. Bidwell has been helping families in need during the December Holidays since 1954.
Contact:
Missy Reams
missy@bidwellriverside.org
515-244-6251 -
Science Center of Iowa - Noon Year's Eve Celebration
Volunteers will help blowup 3,000 balloons with an air compressor in preparation for the annual Noon Year's Eve event.
Dates: 12/29/2022-12/30/2022
Time: 9am-12pm and/or 12:30-4:00pm
Location: Science Center of Iowa
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy.How to sign up: email volunteer@sciowa.org
For more information, visit:
https://www.sciowa.org/programs-and-events/special-events/noon-year-s-eve/Contact:
Kayleen Leetch
Kay.leetch@sciowa.org
(515) 274-6868 -
Girls on the Run - Santa Run
Santa Run 5K Volunteers
Dates: 12/10/2022
Time: 9:15 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Fleet Feet Des Moines
521 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309How to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ea5a923abfec25-santaFor more information, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ea5a923abfec25-santaContact:
Christa Vander Leest
christa.vanderleest@girlsontherun.org
515-777-6868 -
Girls on the Run of Central Iowa - Tri for a Cause
Indoor Triathlon Volunteers
Dates: 01/29/2023
Time: Varies by shift
Location: Walnut Creek YMCA
948 73rd St., West Des Moines, IA 50265How to sign up:
https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/tri-for-a-cause-2023-volunteersFor more information, visit: https://www.gotrcentraliowa.org/tri-for-a-cause
Contact:
Christa Vander Leest
christa.vanderleest@girlsontherun.org
515-410-9845 -
Greater Des Moines Partnership - East Village Holiday Promenade
Do you like acting? Dress up and become a book character during Storytime at the Holiday Promenade. Volunteers will dress in a costume and greet kids and families during two Storytimes that are indoors.
Dates: 11/18/2022-12/16/2022
Time: 5 PM - 9PM
Location: Historic East Village, Des Moines, IA
How to sign up:
https://greaterdesmoinespartnership.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=68448For more information, visit:
https://www.dsmpartnership.com/downtowndsmusa/experiencing-downtown/festivals-and-markets/holiday-promenadeContact:
Molly Atkins
matkins@downtowndsmusa.com
515-286-4915 -
WDM Human Service - Holiday Toy Donation
Volunteers can provide one new, unwrapped toy for a maximum of 1 hour of Silver Cord credit. Toys can be dropped off at the Human Services office between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Please fill out a donation receipt and note "Silver Cord".
Dates: Deadline to donate a new unwrapped toy is Tuesday, December 13.
Location: West Des Moines Human Services
139 6th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265Contact:
Melinda Hotovec
Melinda.Hotovec@wdm.iowa.gov
515-222-3663 -
Kingdom Hoops - Basketball Concessions
Work in the best atmosphere ever! Concessions, selling, customer service, pos transactions, and have fun!!!
Dates: Weekend now - July 2023
Time: 8am open - 9pm close (please be aware you can only volunteer up to 8 hours per day for Silver Cord)
Locations: Des Moines: 6095 NE Industry Dr. DSM 50313
and
Grimes: 1120 NE Station Crossing, Grimes 50111How to sign up: call Lisa Heuer 515-210-3909
For more information, visit: https://www.kingdomhoops.com/
Additional information: It’s fun, casual dress.
Lisa Heuer
lisaheuer11@gmail.com
515-210-3909 -
FAM Turkey Trot - Walk/Run Volunteer
Race day walk in registration help
Dates: 11/24/2022
Time: 7:30-9:00am
Location: Raccoon River Park Coneflower Shelter
2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4aaca72ca75-famturkey1Contact:
Suzy Lowe
melowe777@yahoo.com
515-554-7643 -
Montessori Children's House - Winter Wonderland
Help parents set up prior to the event, help facilitate games and crafts during the event, and help clean up after the event
Dates: 12/06/2022
Time: 3 shifts, 4:45-5:45, 5:45-6:45, 6:45-7:45--can do one or multiple shifts
Location: Montessori Children's House
1505 42nd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up: Email or text Jenny Johnson with your name and the time you are available
Additional information: This is the Winter/Holiday event for families who have children at Montessori Children's House. This volunteer opportunity is for high school students who like being around young children, as the students who make up Montessori Children's House are all under 7.
Contact:
Jenny Johnson
jenn.krause3@gmail.com
515-988-1430 -
WDM Human Service - Holiday Food Assistance Program
Provide a $25 GROCERY GIFT CARD (e.g., Hy-Vee, Fareway, Aldi, Walmart, Target) to assist a low-income household with a holiday meal. Gift cards can be dropped off at the Human Services office between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or anytime in the drop-box attached to the front of the building. Limit of 2 cards for Silver Cord hours - 2 hours earned per card. Please fill out a donation receipt and note "Silver Cord", or if using the drop-box, include a note with your name and Silver Cord.
Dates: 11/28/22 - 12/20/22 (deadline to turn in)
Location: West Des Moines Human Services
139 6th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265Contact:
Melinda Hotovec
Melinda.Hotovec@wdm.iowa.gov
515-222-3663 -
Dorothy's House - Holiday Hullabaloo
We need "elves" to help families enjoy various holiday activities at this new indoor holiday event.
Dates: 11/25/2022-12/31/2022
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Horizon Event Center
2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325How to sign up: https://dorothyshouse.volunteerlocal.com
For more information, visit: https://dorothyshouse.volunteerlocal.comAdditional information: holidayhullabaloo.com. 3 shifts 10-12, 12-3, 3-6 Over a dozen activities/vol opps
Contact:
Lorie Williamson
volunteer@holidayhullabaloo.com
515-802-1239 -
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Clive Parks and Recreation -Youth Basketball League
Youth Basketball League: Signup to help setup & put away tables, chairs, signage, set up scoreboards, sweep gym floors & bleachers, take out trash, etc.
Dates: 11/06/2022-03/03/2023
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm and/or 7:30pm-9:00pm Choose one or both
Location: Waukee South Middle School
2350 SE LA Grant Pkwy, Waukee, IA 50263How to sign up: https://signup.com/go/PriyoXH
Contact:
Jon Gibbs
jgibbs@cityofclive.com
515-867-5091 -
WDM Historical Society - Holiday Open House
From 1-3pm you'll be helping at the Bennett School Museum (4001 Fuller Road) with family/childrens' crafts, serving cookies and hot cider, helping clean up.
Dates: 12/04/2022
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Bennett School
4001 Fuller RoadHow to sign up: email gbrubaker@wdmhs.org
Contact:
Gale Brubaker
gbrubaker@wdmhs.org
515-225-1286 -
UnityPoint Health- Des Moines - Iowa Lutheran Volunteen Program
The teen program is offered Monday through Thursday from 4-6PM. During this time, volunteers help support the hospital by replenishing items like surgical towels in outpatient surgery, patient gowns on patient floors, and medical equipment. The Volunteen program will also be in charge of running the hospital's “Comfort Cart”, which will offer different items to patients to make their stay more comfortable! Volunteers will have interaction with patients and medical staff. Students will get a behind the scenes look in our hospital and all the things that need to be done to give the best care possible!
Dates: 06/02/2023
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Location: Iowa Lutheran Hospital
700 East University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316How to sign up: Online Application:
https://www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/teen-volunteer-opportunities.aspxAdditional information: We look for students who are able to commit to volunteering one day a week (two hours) for the whole school year.
Contact:
Megan Delanty
megan.delanty@unitypoint.org
515-263-5475 -
Historic Valley Junction Foundation - Pumpkin Walk - Kid Zone
We are looking for 2-3 volunteers to watch over the kid zone during the Pumpkin Walk in Valley Junction. There will be kids' activities in Railroad Park, including face painting, balloon art, and games. Also, we will need help loading and unloading hay from the hay ride before and after the event. 4 hours total.
Dates: 10/23/2022
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Railroad Park, Valley Junction
425 Railroad AvenueHow to sign up: Email Larry at events@valleyjunction.com
For more information, visit:
https://www.valleyjunction.com/event/pumpkin-walk/Contact:
Larry Kaster
events@valleyjunction.com
515-222-3642 -
Can Play - Opportunity Clive Basketball and Dance Program
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2022 Opportunity Clive Basketball and Dance program. Join 1st through 6th-grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball and dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule
Dates: 10/31/2022-12/19/2022
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Crestview School of Inquiry Gym and Cafeteria
8355 N Franklin Ave, Clive, IA 50325How to sign up: Sign up using:
https://signup.com/go/EZimqeoContact:
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-421-4021 -
Can Play - Opportunity Waukee Basketball and Dance
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2022 Opportunity Waukee Basketball and Dance program. Join 1st through 5th-grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball and dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule
Dates: 10/26/2022-12/21/2022
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Maple Grove Elementary Gym and Commons
1455 98th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266How to sign up: Sign up using the Signup.com link:
https://signup.com/go/ZbozYnEContact:
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-421-4021 -
Can Play - Opportunity WDM Basketball & Dance Programs
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2022 Opportunity West Des Moines Basketball and Dance program. Join 1st through 6th-grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball and dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule
Dates: 10/22/2022-12/17/2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Walnut Creek Campus Gym and Cafeteria
1020 8th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265How to sign up: or through the direct Signup.com link: https://signup.com/go/pYHfpvt
Jackson Waters
jackson@can-play.org
515-421-4021
