Volunteer: Lead Kids Activities at Shelter; Wed
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Non-Profit & Social Impact
Child Development/Support, Youth Development, Volunteer / Humanitarian, Non-Profit / Outreach
Welcome to the Holiday Helping Hand Guide, an online list of volunteer opportunities specifically geared for the holidays around central Iowa.
We know many desire to give back around the holiday season. We hope this guide helps you find the best match for you.
Children's Activities at Families Forward New Directions ShelterVolunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance.
Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information:
- Volunteers are needed between 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays.
- Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.)
- Volunteers will interact with the children and help them participate in the activity.
- Children come and go during the event.
- Volunteers will do 2-3 sessions of the activity to allow all children to participate as they arrive home to the shelter for the evening.
- If you would like to plan or bring a craft or activity, please just let us know. We'd love your help in planning.
- All ages are welcome to volunteer. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering.
- Child volunteers should be signed up, too.
About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive.
Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service.
Large Group Volunteering for Children's EventsIf you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy.
About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs:
Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.
110 and younger
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Wheelchair Accessible
LocationFamilies Forward New Directions Shelter
3001 Grand Avenue
Des Moines,IA50312
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