Volunteer Opportunity Details:

We invite the community to provide a meal on the first, second, and fourth Saturdays at the Street Outreach Center. The weekly meal is held on Saturday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 701 Grand Avenue across from the downtown Marriott Hotel.

The center has a full kitchen where the meal can be cooked on-site or warmed up for 25-30 young people ages 16-21. Volunteer efforts provide a critical service to our youth and together we work towards eliminating homelessness and hunger for children, youth and young families.

**How many people will it take to serve a Drop-In meal?

Space is limited in our serving are, so 5-10 people would be the suggested amount of volunteers serving a meal. If you have a group of more than 5 you may rotate members from serving, to assisting families with plates and refills, assisting children at the activity table or interacting with Drop-In youth and staff.

**What will my group be asked to do?

We ask that your group plan, shop for, prepare and serve the Drop-In meal.

**What and how much should we make?

Make anything that is easy! Past menus have included lasagna and bread, tacos, soups, stew and sandwiches. It is of great importance that the youth receive as much nutrition as possible, so we encourage your group to provide vegetables and fruits for the youth. Dessert is always welcomed, but not a necessity for the meal.

**What time do we begin?

Meet at 701 Grand Ave at the Street Outreach Drop-In center anytime after 6:00 p.m. to prepare your meal. The meal should be ready and served by 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The Drop- In center has a full kitchen and also a grill. If you need a longer period of time to cook on-site prior to serving, the use of a kitchen can be arranged that afternoon at the Outreach Center, located at 701 Grand Ave.

**What should we expect?

Expect to meet a lot of interesting people and have a really good time! Things at Drop-In can look a bit hectic at times, so don’t be surprised. Remember, the majority of the people there will be between the ages of 16-21 years old, a rambunctious group no matter what the occasion! Those who come with an open mind, and relaxed attitude will have the best experiences.

For questions contact Toni Nicol at 515-265-1222.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - Des Moines

We need volunteers who are free at these times Day Of Caring One-Time Evenings Weekdays Monthly Weekends Occasional Weekly We are looking for volunteers with the following skills Animal Services Landscaping Arts / Culture Math / Science Child Care Production (Radio, TV) Collection Drives Public Relations / Outreach Computer / Internet Services Teaching Fundraising Tutoring General Office / Admin Writing / Editing Grant Development Yard Work Graphic Design Volunteers will work with the following groups Children (5-12) Infants / Preschoolers (0-4) Homeless Young Adults (18-25) This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adolescents (13-17) Large Group (11+) Adults (26-54) Small Group (2-10) Adults (55+) Unpaid Interns Families Young Adults (18-25) Individual This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests Children & Youth Human Services Holiday Opportunities Hunger / Food Homelessness

Contact Person: Toni Nicol, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

701 Grand Des Moines, IA 50309 (See a map)

Directions:

Going into the downtown area on 7th Street, turn right or west on Grand and the Outreach Center is under the parking ramp - courtyard is visible. Across from Marriott; east of YWCA.   Nearest Bus Stop: 8th & High, 1 minute walk

Web Site: http://www.iowahomelessyouth.org

Last updated on November 4, 2009