We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for families, churches and small groups, businesses, schools and other civic/service groups. Below is a sampling of the opportunities available for groups. We generally schedule groups two to three months in advance, and many of our onsite opportunities are for ages 13+.
Service Opportunities for Groups
We love volunteer groups and you can often find them around our facilities serving in a variety of ways. Opportunities for groups include:
Meal Serving
Participate in our Adopt-a-Meal program and provide a full meal for our Hope Cafe (serving approximately 200), Door of Faith (60) or Hope Center for Women and Children (40). Or supplement meals by providing casseroles or salads. Or simply sign up to serve a meal (and bring along a needed food item) — this option generally fills up several months in advance.
Kids Activities
Help with Kids Night at our Hope Center for Women and Children on Thursdays (either one time or an ongoing basis) or sign up to coordinate a Family Fun Night on the first Friday of the month. We also need help with childcare on the second Saturday of the month.
ENCORE Thrift Stores
Sort donations, stock shelves and help keep our thrift ministry humming at of our ENCORE Thrift Stores! Stores are located at 4640 Merle Hay Road in Urbandale and 500 E. Army Post Road in Des Moines.
Work Projects
We can often use help with projects around our ministry centers including yard work and landscaping, pantry organization, spot cleaning and more.
Donation Drives
We love groups who coordinate donation drives for much-needed supplies, such as toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene items and more. Check out our current needs, and please be sure to contact us before starting a drive.
Make a Bed ~ Keep 'Em Fed
This is a great opportunity for families or groups with children of any age. Come to our Door of Faith men’s recovery center, provide food donations (to “keep ’em fed”) as well as new sheets for one or more beds and be inspired by the symbolism of “taking off the old and putting on the new.” You’ll also have the chance to hear a recovery resident’s story.
Dairy Donors
We go through a LOT of milk and other dairy products (cheese, butter, eggs, etc.) at Hope Ministries. Your group can help out by becoming a regular dairy donor for our Hope Cafe, Hope Center for Women and Children, or Door of Faith. We’ll provide a specific list of needed items.
If you’re interested in these or other group volunteer opportunities, please contact us at (515) 265-7272 or info@hopeiowa.org or complete the form below.