Winter Assistance 2024-2025

1203 Hartford Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 244-6251

Program/Service: Thanksgiving Meat: Thanksgiving Meat Giveaway (Turkey/Chicken)

Availability:  To sign up, come to Bidwell Pantry and get a food package (options include turkey or chicken). Registration starts November 1st until event is full and sign up is Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm. The Bidwell Pantry is a no-boundary pantry meaning there are no zip code boundaries, all are welcome!

Eligibility: To qualify, you must receive a food package from Bidwell in November 2024. Not eligible if anyone in household has received a Thanksgiving service from another DMARC pantry. Only one Thanksgiving Meat per household. If you receive chicken, you are not eligible for a turkey.

Details:  Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, all items are available while supplies last, no appointment is needed to sign up, a valid photo ID for an adult must be presented to pick up turkey and chicken.

1815 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-7290

Program/Service:  Food Pantry Thanksgiving Food

Availability: Open 10am-3:30pm, unless there are more volunteers then will start at 9:30am (same for Thursday).

Eligibility:  Giving out frozen turkey or ham and canned beans (no meals) on November 20th for regular pantry clients. On November 21st, open to everyone in need.

1548 8th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 282-3442

Program/Service:  Sit Down and Eat Meal

Availability: Tuesday, November 26th from 4-5:30pm

Eligibility:  Open to all. Traditional Thanksgiving Meals!

3300 Easton Blvd
Des Moines, IA 50317
515-326-2685

Program/Service:  Drive Through/Dine-In

Availability: Thursday, November 28th, 2024. Drive-Thru at 11-11:30am and Dine-In at 11:30am-1pm. Deadline to order is November 25th

Eligibility:  All are welcome.

Details:   ALL meals MUST be pre-ordered, call 515-326-2685 between 9am-5pm.

3300 Easton Blvd
Des Moines, IA 50317
515-326-2685

Program/Service: Delivery Meal

Availability:  Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at 9:30-10:30am. Deadline to order is November 25th

Eligibility:  All are welcome.

Details:   ALL meals MUST be pre-ordered, call 515-326-2685 between 9am-5pm.

1310 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 265-4277

Program/Service: In person meal: Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28th

Eligibility: Anyone is able to join on Thanksgiving Day from 12-1pm at the Hope Café

1310 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 265-4277

Program/Service:  Delivery meal

Eligibility: Sign up opens on November 4th and ends on November 20th or until capacity is reached. Anyone can qualify in the Des Moines area. Deadline to order in home meals is November 20th at 4pm.

Details:  They will need to call Hope Ministries when meal order line opens each holiday to request a meal to be delivered to them. They can call 515-265-4277, please refer to their website when that meal order line will open before each holiday at hopeiowa.org

3000 SE 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50320

Program/Service:  Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway

Availability:  Saturday, November 23rd @11am-1pm at the Living Waters Fellowship

Eligibility: Open to anyone, free event for all. No registration or documentation is required.

Details:  Stop by Living Waters Fellowship on November 23rd for a FREE Thanksgiving Meal and FREE winter coats, hats, gloves. There will also be FREE resources provided by Heart for Des Moines, Alpha Women's Center, and Living Waters Counseling.

3610 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 875-5229

Program/Service:  Thanksgiving Dinner: Free Thanksgiving meal delivery, carry out or dine in is available. Meal is for anyone who needs a meal on this holiday

Availability:  Thursday, November 28th at 9:30am-1:00pm. call 515-875-5229 for a meal. Please let them know if this is a carry out meal or delivery and if delivery is needed it's only available for Des Moines area.

Eligibility:  Open to anyone. No documentation of proof of income necessary.

Details:  When calling please provide address and how many meals are needed if delivery order. Event on Thanksgiving Day that provides meals to individuals and families either by delivery or pickup. The individual or family needing this meal can be anyone as long as they have a need for a meal in Thanksgiving Day. Later in about a month we will open our phone line to request meals.

1224 East Street
Grinnell, IA
(515) 236-4946

Program/Service: Dine in Thanksgiving meal: Thursday, November 28th, 2024

Eligibility: Open to all. Dine in or pick up options.

Details:  If choosing to pick up, still asked to come inside building to get meal.

1224 East Street
Grinnell, IA
(515) 236-4946

Program/Service: Limited Thanksgiving Delivery Meals

Availability:  Place orders by calling church at 515-236-4946 between 10am-1pm, Monday-Thursday. Deadline for orders is November 26th.

Eligibility: Delivery limited to Grinnell city limits to homebound persons with a maximum of two meals per household.

7611 Douglas Ave, Suite 34
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 251-6688

Program/Service:  Turkey:

Availability: We have turkeys available during the month of November as a meat option for your full monthly check in. Pantry hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM and Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM 

1615 2nd Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314

Program/Service: Thanksgiving Bag Giveaway

Availability: Tuesday, November 26th from 5-7pm. Giving away 200 bags until supplies run out!

1548 8th Street
Des Moines, IA

Program/Service:  Annual Christmas Dinner

Availability:  Wednesday, December 25 at 1-4pm

Eligibility:  All are welcome! First come-first serve.  

Details:  Provides a warm meal and holiday cheer.  

1203 Hartford Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 244-6251

Program/Service:  Holiday Meat: Extra Holiday Meat Package

Availability:  Available December 1-23, 2024

Eligibility:  Only available when receiving a DMARC Food Package (not eligible if you have not received a food package), Bidwell Pantry is a no-boundary pantry, meaning no zip-code boundaries and all are welcome! 

Details:  Available on first-come, first-serve basis, all items are available while supplies last. No appointment needed.  

6123 Scout Trail
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 402-7167

Program/Service:  Free meal and limited delivery

Availability: December 25th, 2024, from 4pm-8pm.

Eligibility:  Open to all. 

1230 E 17th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-265-2417

Program: Holiday Food Giveaway

Availability: Saturday, December 21, 2024 @10am-1pm

Eligibility: All are welcome! First come-first serve.

Details: Includes a turkey and all supplies for a holiday dinner.

135 W Washington Street
Osceola IA 50213

Program: Free Hot Thanksgiving Meal with Free Winter Gear.

Availability: Serving community from 2-6pm on Wednesday, November 27th

Eligibility: Hosted at Osceola Fire Station (135 W Washington Street, Osceola IA 50213)

Details: Soup supper at Osceola Fire Station, no reservations required

4101 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 809-2356

Program/Service:  Breakfast with Santa: Free pancake breakfast with bakery items for sale at $3 per dozen featuring crafts and balloons.

Availability:   Saturday, December 7 from 9-11am

Eligibility:  Open to anyone while supplies last.

1310 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 265-4277

Program/Service: In person meal: Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th from noon-1pm.

Eligibility: Anyone is able to join on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th from noon-1pm at the Hope Café

1310 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 265-4277

Eligibility: Sign up opens on December 2nd and ends on December 16th or until capacity is reached. Anyone can qualify in the Des Moines area. Deadline to order in home meals is December 16th at 4pm.

Details:  They will need to call Hope Ministries when meal order line opens each holiday to request a meal to be delivered to them. They can call 515-265-4277, please refer to their website when that meal order line will open before each holiday at hopeiowa.org

(515) 868-9252 / spp@singleparentprovision.org

Program/Service:  Single Moms Christmas Dinner: Programming and activities provided for children and youth aged 0-18, so while moms enjoy this uplifting evening, their children will enjoy a fun evening complete with activities, games, and a meal of their own. 

Availability: Annual Single Moms Christmas Dinner will be held on December 7th, 2024, at 5:00pm at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, 833 5th Avenue.  

Eligibility:  Registration is required and closes Sunday, December 1, 2024. Those registered by November 7 will be entered to win one of three $100 gift cards given during the program. 

Details:  Tickets are $15 per individual (mother only) or $25 per family (mother and children). Scholarships are gladly provided and easily received by simply selecting the Scholarship registration type when registering. 

1155 SE Boone Drive
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5523
Website

Program/Service:  The Gift of Food Christmas Food Box

Availability:  Sign-up and submit required documentation by November 27 at 3pm. Client Pickup Date is Friday, December 13th.  

Eligibility:  Qualified residents within Waukee School District. Clients must submit proof of residency, identification for each member of household and proof of income that shows household is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.  After online application is completed, please submit documents during food pantry hours. Once application is approved, individuals receive email confirmation with pick up instructions. 

Details:  Cannot apply if receiving holiday services from any other organization. 

139 6th Street
Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3660

Program/Service:  December Grocery Voucher: $50/household 

Availability:  Must register online. Must register online or in person. Online registration from October 14th-31st, Online and in-person registration available from November 1st-22nd (Walk in hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm). Deadline for registration is November 22nd at 5pm. /span>

Eligibility: Residents of West Des Moines who qualify with income guidelines at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. Available to households not signing up for Adopt-A-Family or Adopt-A-Teen (new this year!) 

Details: In order to register, identification for ALL household members is needed 18 years or older, proof of residence, and proof of income. See here for income guidelines. Proof of income is not required if you have updated income with WDM Human Services in the last 12 months. See Holiday FAQ.

1203 Hartford Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 244-6251

Program/Service: Toy Pantry: No appointment is needed, come to Bidwell Pantry and sign up. Registration starts November 1st until event is full. Sign up is Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm. Upon registering, you will choose a date and time to pick up your toys.   

Availability:  Toys will be available on a first- come, first- serve basis. Each child may only receive toys once. Pre-registration for the Toy Pantry is required.  

Eligibility:  Children must be 18 or younger to participate. Children do not need to be present at the event. The Bidwell Pantry is a no-boundary pantry, meaning no-zip code boundaries, all are welcome. You must get a food package to be eligible for toy sign up.

Details:  Adult must show photo ID when picking up toys. Child identification is not required. Pantry hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm. Event location is at Bidwell Riverside Pantry in Des Moines.  

(515) 519-0822

Program/Service: Toys for Tots

Availability: Sign up between November 1st-29th by phone at 515-519-0822 or online.

Eligibility: Confirm eligibility online.

Details: Toys will be distributed for those that signed up at the Des Moines location site on Friday, December 13th at 4-8pm and Saturday, December 14th at 9am-1pm.

1230 E 17th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-265-2417 

Program/Service: Toys for Tots: Listing of locations that offer Toys for Tots: Home - Toys for Tots.  

Availability: Sign up between November 1st-24th online.

Eligibility: Program is only for children 0-14 years old.

Details: Toys will be distributed for those that signed up at the site from 10am-1pm on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. 

535 NW 6th Street
Earlham, IA 50072

Program/Service: Earlham Christmas Share: Shop “garage sale style” for new and gently used toys, clothes, and household items. 

Availability: Saturday, December 14th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  

Eligibility: Pre-registration for shopping times is required and closes December 12th.

Details: One new toy per child in each household available. 

2500 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-259-6655/sarah.chiaramonte@gmail.com

Program/Service:  Give Joy Shop: Holiday Gift Shop for parents that need financial assistance to be able to pick/choose, purchase and wrap gifts for their children

Availability:  Saturday, December 7th at 8am-2pm

Details:  Two gifts per child limit. Please call or email to set up shopping time.

2816 1st Avenue
Perry, IA 50220
(515) 465-5185

Program/Service: Toys for Tots: Applications can be picked up. 

Availability:  Applications will be accepted until November 10th. 

Eligibility: Perry School District child who have LIHEAP heating assistance will automatically qualify but must complete Toys for Tots application. Those who are HeadStart families or have WIC are also automatically qualified but still must complete application. Must be in Perry School district, receive LIHEAP and ages 14 and younger.  

(515) 282-3599
Website

Program/Service:  Angel Tree: Toy distribution for children ages 12 and under. ID required at time of pick up. Pick up time will be assigned to families as applications are approved.

Availability:  Sign-ups at saangeltree.org until November 15th, case workers will be available at Corps locations each Thursday from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm from October 14th-November 15th for in-person sign-ups if needed.  

Eligibility:  Families with children ages 12 and younger

Details:  ID required at time of pick-up.

(515) 868-9252 / spp@singleparentprovision.org

Program/Service:  Family Gift Market: The Family Gift Market is a free event and unique opportunity for single parents and their children to shop for one another at Christmas!  

Availability:  Event is on December 14th, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines 50265.  

Eligibility:  Open to single parents in central Iowa. 

Details:  Cookies, crafts, and cocoa are available for families to enjoy together when their shopping is done, and all leave with a wrapped gift for one another to be put under the tree for Christmas. 

(515) 278-3936
info@urbandalenetwork.org

Program/Service:  Holiday Helping Hands: Connects families in need with community partners & sponsors. Clothing, household items, gifts for children. 

Availability: Dependent on program, reach out to UCAN for specifics.

Eligibility: Income eligible residents of Urbandale or Urbandale School District.  Income guidelines listed on UCAN website. 

Details:   Every family must complete a new client application form as well as a holiday application form. Bring a form of identification for all household members, proof of address, and proof of income. Cannot apply if receiving services from another holiday assistance program, except Toys for Tots. 

1155 SE Boone Drive
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5523
Website

Program/Service:  Gifts for Kids: Gifts for children (birth through high school) available with sign-up for the Gift of Food box program.   

Availability: Sign-up online and submit all required documentation by November 27 at 3pm. Client Pick-up Date is Friday, December 13th.  

Eligibility:  Qualified residents within Waukee School District. To be qualified, proof of residency and identification for each member of the home must be brought to Waukee Christian Services during food pantry hours, after online application is completed.  Once approved, individuals receive email confirmation with pick up instructions.   

Details:  Cannot apply if receiving holiday services from any other organization, including Toys for Tots.   

139 6th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3660
Website

Program/Service: Adopt-a-Family: For households that include at least one child aged 12 or under – food assistance is included.   

Availability:  Must register online or in person. Online registration from October 14th-31st, Online and in-person registration available from November 1st-22nd (Walk in hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm). Deadline for registration is November 22nd at 5pm.

Eligibility:  Residents of West Des Moines who qualify with income guidelines at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. Available to households not signing up for Adopt-A-Family or Adopt-A-Teen (new this year!) 

Details: In order to register, identification for ALL household members is needed 18 years or older, proof of residence, and proof of income. See here for income guidelines. Proof of income is not required if you have updated income with WDM Human Services in the last 12 months. See Holiday FAQ.

139 6th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3660
Website

Program/Service: Adopt-a-Teen: For households with only teen children (age 13-18), food assistance is included.    

Availability:  Must register online or in person. Online registration from October 14th-31st, Online and in-person registration available from November 1st-22nd (Walk in hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm). Deadline for registration is November 22nd at 5pm.

Eligibility:  Residents of West Des Moines who qualify with income guidelines at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. Available to households not signing up for Adopt-A-Family or Adopt-A-Teen (new this year!) 

Details: In order to register, identification for ALL household members is needed 18 years or older, proof of residence, and proof of income. See here for income guidelines. Proof of income is not required if you have updated income with WDM Human Services in the last 12 months. See Holiday FAQ.

Prairie Ridge Middle School
1010 NW Prairie Ridge Drive
Ankeny, IA 50023

Program/Service:  Winter Clothing Drive Giveaway

Availability:  Saturday, November 9th, 2024.

Eligibility:  There will be having a winter clothing giveaway in November, but it is for Ankeny students/families only.  

321 Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50313

Program/Service:  Winter Wear Giveaway

Availability:  Saturday, November 30th, 2024 @ 2-6pm

Eligibility:  Open to children and adults

Details:  Soup, Shopping for Children and Adults (Hats, Gloves, Coats, Scarfs and Boots)

4950 Pleasant Street, Ste B
West Des Moines IA 50266 
(515) 225-3827 

Program/Service:  Winter Coat Drive Giveaway:  Winter Coats for children up to 2T.  

Availability:  October 25th from 9am-12pm

Eligibility:  First come, first serve while supplies last. No appointment needed.     

Polk County River Place
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 286-3670

Program/Service:  Winter Coat Drive Giveaway:  Giveaway takes place in rooms 3 & 3A of the Polk County River Place building. 

Availability:  November 1st, 2024

Eligibility:  Open to Veterans and their families ONLY from 9:00am-12:00pm. Open to public from 1:00pm-2:30pm.   

Details:  Photo ID of Veterans Status required during Veterans hours.