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.
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year. The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, TheraPets, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more.
The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals and for its work in the community keeping people and pets united. We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We have fun, unique and unforgettable events to participate in as well. Contact CEO Tom Colvin with interest.
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through 14.
Can Play Sports
In January of 2021, Opportunity on Deck and Courage League Sports merged to form Can Play in an effort to grow our impact for those with physical, medical, social, mental, financial or other barriers to play.
The organization offers four distinct programs in West Des Moines and throughout our state in order to make our programs accessible to a diverse range of participants: our Courage program providing adapted recreation for those with special needs, HERS program providing young girls with developmental programming, Opportunity program providing no-cost sports and development in low-socioeconomic areas, and our licensing program for communities outside of central Iowa. To learn more about our programs or how you can help support our cause please visit our website.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Iowa Chapter’s mission is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. While we have made amazing progress in the fight to manage this disease, we will not stop until CF stands for Cure Found.
Email or call us (515-252-1530) to learn more about volunteer and fundraising opportunities. If you’re interested in joining our Board of Directors, our Executive Director will meet with you to discuss the opportunity and determine if it is a good fit.
Des Moines Y Camp
The Des Moines Y Camp is more than just a camp. We’re focused on bringing out the best in people and creating community with all we serve. For 103 years we’ve served central Iowa youth, families and adults through Overnight, Day and Family Camps, as well as Retreats, Group Camps, Outdoor Education and Community Programs. As a YMCA, we are committed to building up communities and individuals to find success through our various, mission-based programs. Our next major Volunteer opportunity is May 18th from 4 – 8pm at the Des Moines Y Camp.
We are currently conducting our Annual Giving Campaign, which focuses on raising money for camp scholarships and making the camp experience possible for all kids. You can also donate here where you can select Y Camp as the recipient of their generous gift.
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.
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!
Employee and Family Resources
Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Employee & Family Resources (EFR) has seen an increased need for mental health and substance abuse services. The global health crisis has left thousands grappling with new or worsened mental health conditions, increasing their risk of suicide and substance abuse. For half of these adults, mental health services are out-of-reach due to the high cost of treatment. Amid the mental health crisis, EFR’s mission is to provide affordable mental health and substance use services to individuals and our communities.
To learn more about how we help in schools, workplaces, and communities, visit us at efr.org or check out our Facebook page. You can help us address the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders and provide affordable treatment by donating to one of our programs here. By becoming a donor, you can help EFR deliver a lasting impact to individuals, families, and communities in need. If you want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Louise Crall.
Iowa Healthiest State
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is a nonprofit organization working to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by improving the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans. Attend a Make It OK Presentation so you can better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma of mental illness through key messages and resources.
Become a Make It OK ambassador! An Ambassador does not need to be an expert on mental health but someone who enjoys connecting, engaging, educating and promoting mental health awareness. Free virtual ambassador trainings are posted on our website. Register your workplace as a Make It OK Workplace or attend the Workplace Wellbeing Conference on April 27 at the FFA Enrichment Center.
Iowa Sports Foundation
Our 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.
Justice League of Food
Our focus is to reduce homelessness in Central Iowa through skills training and job placement in the food and beverage industry. Help us Teach a Man to Fish and get the fisherman a job. We couldn’t do what we do without your generosity. Learn more here about how to get involved.
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?! You can help support Life 107.1 close the gap on our remaining financial need by making a gift here.
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. Learn more here about how you can volunteer.
National Speech & Debate Association
As the national authority on public speaking and debate, the National Speech & Debate Association provides the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world. We create a platform for youth voices to be heard and celebrated, which culminates with an annual National Tournament, the pinnacle of public speaking.
The NSDA encourages the support of speech and debate programs at local schools via judging at tournaments, helping teams fundraise, or advocating for speech and debate programs where there are none. The NSDA can support those efforts with messaging and materials or help you identify local programs to contact. Alternatively, donate today to support our mission to empower students through speech and debate!
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.
Taste of the Junction
Taste of the Junction celebrates the people, cultures, and cuisines of Historic Valley Junction. We honor the contributions of the descendants, preserving the culture, kindred, and history of Valley Junction. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and events. Contact Rachelle Long, Founder (515-650-9352) for more information on getting involved.
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 exists to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing hope, healing, and God’s unconditional love to children and youth at-risk. The Ranch provides 100% full scholarships for educational programming, leadership development training, and equestrian therapy to over 1,000 vulnerable youth and veterans annually.
We are always looking for volunteers to help out on our leadership retreat weekends every month, as well as summer program volunteers to help teach our students life skills such as: gardening, cooking, welding, financial literacy, and leadership development.
Head over to wildwoodhillsranch.org/donate to support our students or come to our Wild About the Child Shindig on Saturday, May 21st 2022 at The Stine Barn in WDM for our annual fundraiser.
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. Learn more here about how you can volunteer.