515.225.6009 | info@wdmchamber.org
Give Back: Monetarily or Voluntarily
Learn how you can give back to local non-profit organizations to keep our community #WDMstrong.
Alzheimer’s Association
In light of COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association’s educational programs, support groups and care consultations are now offered virtually. Their 24/7 helpline (800.272.3900) and website are valuable informational resources.
Fundraising efforts supporting these services are severely impacted during the pandemic. Help them continue to assist those affected by Alzheimer’s during this crisis by making a tax-deductible donation today. View volunteer opportunities here.
Count the Kicks
Count the Kicks is deeply worried about the adverse impacts on expectant women during this crisis — as early research is showing they are more likely to lose their babies to miscarriage or stillbirth due to the pandemic. They are watching closely to see how this pandemic is affecting pregnant women, and they’re providing factual, evidence-based information on COVID-19 and pregnancy on a special COVID-19 webpage and on social media. Learn more about the organization and how to donate here.
DMARC
For over six decades, DMARC has worked to meet the basic human needs of our community. Today, the DMARC Food Pantry Network, a network of 14 partner pantries and over 20 different mobile food pantry sites, annually assists nearly 56,000 unique individuals. For DMARC, the COVID-19 pandemic has –
- Led to increased costs of some basic food items; rice, for example, has increased 36% in the last 30 days.
- Led to challenges in how we work with volunteers to gather and sort contributed food.
- Led to the postponement of our community’s LARGEST food drive for DMARC, Stamp Out Hunger©, an event hosted by the annual National Association of Letter Carriers, and one which annually supplies over 66,000 pounds of food.
- Led to a much higher number of first time users to the network. From March 16-31, DMARC assisted 1,200 first-time pantry users, which is four times higher than the number of new pantry users seen in the first half of the month; more than half (54%) of new food pantry users are unemployed.
DMARC never turns anyone away, and is committed to having food available whenever it is needed. You can make a difference and help DMARC continue to meet the needs of our community by:
- Making a personal gift through our virtual drive.
- Hosting YOUR OWN virtual drive by contacting Leslie Garman at DMARC at LGarman@dmarcunited.org or 515-277-6969 x 13.
- Challenging a friend to do the same!
EveryStep
EveryStep is a non-profit health care and human services organization which annually serves more than 65,000 Iowans. During life’s most challenging moments, EveryStep’s family of community-based health care and support services offer compassion and guidance. Serving Iowa from 14 locations, EveryStep’s more than 32 programs offer education to new parents; connect growing families with the resources they need; bring care to those who are injured, ill or facing the end of life; and offer grief support to those living with loss. Support EveryStep’s mission here.
Iowa Sports Foundation – Adaptive Sports Iowa
Their goal is to provide meaningful competitive and recreational physical activities to enhance the quality of life of participants with disabilities in Iowa. Adaptive Sports Iowa allows everyone from beginners to seasoned pros to participate in our activities! ASI provides these opportunities with no programming or equipment fees. Take a few minutes to browse through their website to learn more about the amazing opportunities available. Donations are welcomed here.
Justice League of Food
Help us Teach a Man to Fish and get the fisherman a job. We couldn’t do what we do without your generosity.
Life 107.1
Life 107.1 is a local, listener-supported Christian radio station serving central Iowa from our West Des Moines studios. In the midst of a global pandemic, and beyond, we share hope with our community 24/7 through uplifting songs, stories and conversations. And who doesn’t need that?! With the Life 107.1 budget year coming to a close on June 30, you can help close the gap on our remaining financial need by making a gift here.
March of Dimes: March for Babies
Social distancing can’t stop us from fighting for healthy moms and babies who need us now more than ever. This year, #MarchForBabies is going virtual – so everyone, anywhere – can Step Up! with us
By joining March for Babies Step Up! you can fundraise in new, exciting ways, including through our new step-counting app and with fun virtual fundraising challenges.
Meals from the Heartland
Donations fund ingredients and materials, distribution of food around the world and ongoing operation of Meals from the Heartland. With your generous support we can continue our efforts to end hunger around the world and in our own backyard. Ending hunger starts with one grain of hope.
Opportunity on Deck
Opportunity on Deck serves central Iowa communities, including West Des Moines, by providing free-of-charge athletic opportunities for children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in organized out-of-school activities. While they are disappointed that they’ve had to cancel their West Des Moines soccer programs this spring, they are excited to be offering free virtual sports practices on their Facebook page. In addition, they’re compiling resources on their website for those who are looking for healthy outlets for their children at home. For those who wish to support our mission, they are currently in search of coaches who can teach a practice from their home and companies, civic groups or individuals who are interested in supporting our organization and in-person practices when they return.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works tirelessly to create a world where children don’t know fear, don’t experience neglect and never encounter abuse. Most efforts involve treating children and families after abuse has already occurred. However, we focus on prevention, which research proves is a far more effective use of resources to help children reach their full potential as adults. Learn more here about how you can help.
The ALS Association
The Iowa Chapter supports people living with ALS and their loved ones through services and education. They leave no stone unturned in search for the cure of this progressive neurodegenerative disease. The work of the ALS Association will continue amid COVID-19. Learn more here about how these changes impact the organization and how you can donate.
Wildwood Hills Ranch
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a local non-profit organization that serves over 1,000 youth at-risk and veterans in need annually through educational programming, leadership development, job skill training and equine therapy. A link to their donation page is here. Also, for volunteer opportunities, interested individuals can check out their website here and contact Kaitlin Lundeen.West Des Moines Human Services
As a department of the City, West Des Moines Human Services provides basic living needs to low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals in their service area. Among other things, they offer a food pantry and emergency financial assistance to avoid evictions and utility disconnections for income eligible households.Young Women’s Resource Center
It is an increasingly difficult time for their participants. Many were already facing challenging home lives, tight family budgets, and issues of anxiety or depression before COVID-19. They are working hard to continue provide resources and support while following best practices to protect everyone’s health. Your donation will help.