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MAGIC READING CARPETS Before October 15, 2021	Create 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.
DAY OF ACTION September 14, 2021	Day of Action is a day when our nonprofit partners team up with corporate volunteers to help accomplish projects, big and small. Join us as we harness the volunteer spirit of Central Iowa.
SCHOOL HYGIENE DRIVES Carlisle Community School District Des Moines Public Schools Perry Community School District Saydel Community School District September 14, 2021	Many families struggle to afford hygiene items like shampoo or deodorant. This can cause teasing or make kids skip school. To combat this, many schools offer hygiene pantries to provide kids in need with essential personal care items. You can make a difference by hosting a school hygiene drive at your workplace.
WELCOME BACK WALKS Des Moines Public Schools August 2 to August 13 (8 walks over 2 weeks)	Help welcome Des Moines Public School students to the 2021-2022 school year. As a Welcome Walk volunteer, you will be paired with a Des Moines Public Schools staff member to visit the homes of students at one of our Des Moines schools.
BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH Back 2 School Iowa August 22, 2021	Volunteer with United Way partner Back 2 School Iowa to help inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential at the Back 2 School Bash. The annual event provides backpacks with school supplies and offers attendees free lunch, haircuts, sports clinics, resources, and more.
HOMELESSNESS EDUCATION PANEL & DONATION EVENT: 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.
ADVOCACY LETTER WRITING: ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL EVENT	During this one-hour recorded event, Advocacy Officer, Dave Stone, walked through the issues in play during the 2021 legislative session, helped determine your local legislators, and provided guidance for writing your own letter.
UNITED 55+ (Americorps Seniors) Always available	UNITED 55+ is a grant-funded partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors Program. The program provides support and guidance to volunteers aged 55+. Benefits include mileage reimbursement and networking opportunities.
LITERACY KITS Always available	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 workday while connecting with their fellow co-workers.
NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT Always available	Show people in central Iowa how much you care and how much they matter by writing a note of encouragement. We will share your messages with our partner organizations.
LeadershipLink	An online portal that connects individuals in central Iowa seeking leadership roles to nonprofit organizations that have opportunities.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING	Select one of United Way of Central Iowa's focus areas below to find volunteer opportunities on our Central Iowa Volunteer Hub volunteer portal, which connects you with local nonprofits that need you and your time.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK next event: April 2022	National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice, and resources to meet the critical needs of our community. United Way has created a toolkit for you to recognize your employees.
STUFF THE BUS next event: May 2022	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.