Get Involved with Children & Families of Iowa
Each year, CFI utilizes over 1,000 volunteers, with the success of many CFI programs and events relying on the participation of these caring and generous individuals.
Helping hands are always needed to:
- Process in-kind donations
- Sort and file documents
- Enter data into computer database
- Assist with seasonal cleaning
- Help with small yardwork or maintenance projects
- Distribute promotional flyers throughout the greater Des Moines area
- Help at fundraising events
- Help with the Adopt-A-Family distribution room during the holiday season
- Provide assistance with projects at the domestic violence shelter
- Serve as ad hoc members on event planning committees
- And much more!
For currently available volunteer opportunities, please contact the Foundation Coordinator at volunteer@cfiowa.org or 515-697-7968.
Steps to becoming a volunteer:
- Review the Volunteer Handbook.
- Complete and submit a Volunteer Applications (see below). Return applications by email to the Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa at volunteer@cfiowa.org or by mail to the Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa, 1111 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314.
- Foundation staff will contact applicants to discuss opportunities and interests.
Individuals
Volunteers with a particular talent, skill or interest they would like to share should complete and submit the Individual Volunteer Application.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
CFI has opportunities for groups of all sizes. For any organization that is interested, please complete and submit the Group Volunteer Application.
Donation Drives
Nonperishable food items, laundry/household cleaning items, and personal care/baby items are always in need. Coordinating a donation drive with an office, religious group or club is a great way to support the mission of Children & Families of Iowa.
Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa’s Holiday Giving Options
Holiday Shop
The Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa’s holiday shop giving program is closed for the season. Check back 2022 updates.
Items donated are utilized for CFI programs and current clients that are not participating in our Adopt-A-Family program. As the holiday’s approach and stress levels increase so does the need for CFI’s domestic violence shelter/outreach and other services. Many of these families started receiving services after the sign up date had passed for our Adopt-A-Family program. The ability for these moms, dads, and caretakers to have access to these items relieves some of the stress and allow them to experience the holidays as everyone else does in a safe environment full of smiles and happiness.
This program allows these clients to choose gifts for their kids and family, get cleaning supplies and household items, and replenish their pantry with nonperishable food thus alleviating some of their struggles during the holiday season. There will also be a wrapping station available for the families to wrap their gifts.
Host a Toy Drive for CFI
CFI clients not eligible for the of Adopt-A-Family program are able to utilize the Holiday Shop where parents and guardians can pick out gifts (up to three per) for their children. Gather your friends, co-workers, club members, neighbors, or family and host a toy drive to put warm smiles on the littlest faces that CFI serves! Most needed gifts include: toys and gift items for children ages 12-18 years of age, Barbies, dolls, education toys, infant and toddler toys, and sports equipment and apparel.
Volunteers Needed!
To help staff the Adopt-A-Family distribution room and Holiday Shop. Check back for more information and to sign up for a shift.
Organize an item drive
Invite your friends, family, co-workers, or customers to purchase items for clients served by one of CFI’s eligible programs. Item drive examples include: personal care items, diapers and wipes, new twin size sheets and blankets, pillows and pillow cases, new women’s under garments (all sizes), Children’s sock/shoes and snow boots, non-perishable food, and paper products.
For additional giving options contact CFI via email volunteer@cfiowa.org or 515-697-7968
Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa hours of operation:
Monday through Thursday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.