Volunteer Project Catalog
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. We have a variety of tasks throughout the week that need helping hands to complete. This volunteer opportunity will allow you to participate in a variety of activities to support and uplift those who call the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus their home. Some examples being....donation sorting, assisting with meal opportunities, organizing and cleaning projects, stocking our pantry and more! The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: https://youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a group volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. Provide support by aiding with donation sorting, stocking our pantry, organizing and more! Each of these activities help to ensure that our residents have access to basic need items so that they can focus on working towards housing stability and personal success in a dignified manner. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: https://youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
This opportunity takes place each Tuesday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - contact Nick, at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org, to see availability. Sponsoring and participating in a Tuesday Night Dinner offers a meaningful way to connect directly with our residents and our mission. Through our #MoreThanAMeal program, volunteers help provide a hearty, home-cooked meal for all 140 residents while creating a sense of community that truly makes our campus feel like home. A $300 sponsorship helps cover the cost of the meal. You and your group (6-8 people) will prepare and serve dinner, then sit down to share the meal and connect with residents. Volunteers consistently share that this is one of the most impactful experiences on our campus. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. Just like any home, ours needs frequent cleaning! We will provide the supplies if you can provide your helping hands! The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
For availability, contact Nick at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org. If volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. We’re inviting community members to host a monthly Birthday Bash so every resident can feel celebrated. Many of our residents face financial barriers or don’t have family to celebrate with, and this is a meaningful way to show them they are valued! To host a Birthday Bash, you can either provide 80 pieces of cake or cupcakes or make a $60 contribution for us to purchase the cake. You’re also welcome to bring party decorations to help make it feel festive. Upon arrival, you and a group of up to five can help decorate, serve cake, and connect with residents. Party games like Bingo are encouraged, we’ll provide the bingo set if you can provide 8–10 prizes ($5–$10 each). Birthday Bashes can be held Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Summer 2026 Dates Week 2 - June 14-20 Week 3 - June 21-27 Week 4 - June 28 - July 4 Week 5 - July 5 - 11 Week 6 - July 12 - 18 Week 7 - July 19 - 25 Week 8 - July 26 - August 1 Week 9 - August 2 - 8 Y Camp Leader Volunteers serve one week at a time (one week commitment required), assisting camp staff with activities, camper engagement, and daily camp operations while helping create a positive and welcoming environment. This volunteer opportunity is designed for young leaders who want to gain hands-on leadership experience, build confidence, and make a difference in the lives of campers.
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
2026 Dates Week 2 - June 14-20 Week 3 - June 21-27 Week 4 - June 28 - July 4 Week 5 - July 5 - 11 Week 6 - July 12 - 18 Week 7 - July 19 - 25 Week 8 - July 26 - August 1 Week 9 - August 2 - 8 Y Camp Leader Volunteers serve one week at a time (one week commitment required), assisting camp staff with activities, camper engagement, and daily camp operations while helping create a positive and welcoming environment. This volunteer opportunity is designed for young leaders who want to gain hands-on leadership experience, build confidence, and make a difference in the lives of campers.
How you can help: