VOLUNTEER UNITED

Book Buddy

Book Buddy is a 1:1 reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers for regular reading. The caring adult reads in person to the student at a local childcare center. You may pair up with a friend to share this weekly volunteer opportunity.

Holiday Helping Hand

Use our guide to volunteer or organize giving opportunities with your family, friends, co-workers, or church or social group this holiday season. Explore opportunities in many categories, including adopting a family or child, donating canned food, donating toys or books, and much more

VITA Tax Preparation

United Way offers free tax preparation to eligible individuals. Each year in the summer/fall, we look for enthusiastic individuals to serve as Greeters, Tax Preparers, or Quality Reviewers. People over age 55 may also qualify for mileage reimbursement to/from volunteering. No experience is necessary.

Central Iowa Volunteer Hub

Connect with hundreds of volunteer opportunities posted by local nonprofits. You'll find ongoing initiatives, like reading with students, to one-time opportunities like helping distribute food and everything in between.

United 55+

UNITED 55+ is a great way for adults to get involved in the community. A  partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors Program, the program provides support and guidance to volunteers aged 55+. Benefits include mileage reimbursement and networking opportunities.

LeadershipLink

An online portal that connects individuals in central Iowa seeking leadership roles with nonprofit organizations that have opportunities. Find listings for Boards of Directors, Committees, Task Forces, Councils, Ad Hoc Steering Committees, and more.

Skills-Based Volunteering

United Way is in the process of building a skills-based volunteering program. We are looking for interested volunteers to help us develop the program. If you are interested in participating in listening and learning sessions, please let us know by emailing Joy Talmon.

Literacy Kits

Literacy kits are used in elementary schools and at early childhood centers to help inspire a love of learning and reading. Employees say making literacy kits is a meaningful break in their workdays while connecting with their fellow co-workers.

Magic Reading Carpets

Make Book Buddy students their very own Magic Reading Carpet -- small blankets that they can sit on or hold while they are reading. They will use their Magic Reading Carpet twice weekly throughout the school year and will get to take it home with them upon completion of the program.

Notes of Encouragement

Show people in central Iowa how much you care and how much they matter by writing a note of encouragement. We will deliver your notes to the people who need them the most, including teachers, students, home-bound senior citizens, healthcare workers, and more. 

Corporate Giving Gardens

A corporate giving garden is located on land set aside in the green space surrounding a company’s offices, where employees use volunteer time to grow fruits and vegetables that are donated to local organizations that serve the food-insecure in central Iowa.

School Hygiene Drive

Many families struggle to afford hygiene items like shampoo or deodorant. This can cause teasing or make kids skip school. Make a difference by hosting a school hygiene drive. We have opportunities to support Des Moines Public, Saydel, Carlisle, and Perry.

Stuff the Bus

May 2023

Stuff the Bus is our annual book drive. Together last year we collected nearly 24,000 books. Sign up to help Stuff the Bus and we will provide you with resources and tools to help make it a success.

Day of Action

September 2023

Day of Action is a day when our nonprofit partners team up with corporate volunteers to help accomplish projects, big and small. Visit this page to see photos and results from the 2021 Day of Action. The next Day of Action will happen in September 2022.

Refugee Resettlement

Thousands of Afghan refugees are coming to Iowa as part of a nationwide resettlement program. Each new family will need a place to live, household goods, and warm clothing. Please consider purchasing or donating needed items. Or, help receive and organize donations at a centralized warehouse.

Advocacy Letter Writing

ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL EVENT

This event focused on essential needs and giving back to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. This is a two-part event. Part one is education, part two is a call to action with a hands-on volunteer/donation activity. Recording of the event is available to use on-demand.

Homelessness Education Panel

ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL EVENT

This event focused on essential needs and giving back to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. This is a two-part event. Part one is education, part two is a call to action with a hands-on volunteer/donation activity. Recording of the event is available to use on-demand.

Corporate Volunteer Training

ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL EVENT

United Way of Central Iowa team members led this interactive online information session to help corporate teams develop a plan to use their volunteer time off. We describe on-site, hybrid, holiday, and 55+ volunteering.