Winter Assistance 2024-2025
The listing below provides details about local resources offered during the winter and holiday season. This list will be updated as frequently as possible. If you have questions for the EveryStep staff, please contact us here. To view a listing of EveryStep’s programs and services, please download our Program Guide.
Download the EveryStep Program Guide.
Thanksgiving Meals and Food
Bidwell Riverside/Families Forward |
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.
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Catholic Charities |
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.
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Children and Family Urban Movement |
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!
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East Side Clusters of Churches-St. Joseph's Catholic Church |
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.
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East Side Clusters of Churches-St. Joseph's Catholic Church |
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.
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Hope Ministries – Hope Café |
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
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Hope Ministries – 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
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Living Waters Fellowship |
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.
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Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner – At Chucks Restaurant |
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.
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St. John's Lutheran Church |
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.
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St. John's Lutheran Church |
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.
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Urbandale Food Pantry |
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
Eligibility: Open to anyone. This is a DMARC Food Pantry. Turkey not available if individual utilizes another DMARC food pantry in the same month.
Details: Bring a form of identification for all family members served. Photo identification needed for anyone aged 18 and older in the household. Step into booth to check-in. Speak over intercom, volunteer pushes cart with food outside.
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Urban Dreams |
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!
Eligibility: Open to anyone.
Details: Each bag includes variety of Thanksgiving meal ingredients and $25 Faraway gift card.
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Holiday Meals and Food
Bidwell Riverside/Families Forward |
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.
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Boys Scouts of America |
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.
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Do Good Des Moines Winter Warmth Event |
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
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Eastview Community Center |
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.
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Hope Ministries - Hope Café |
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
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Hope Ministries - 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
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Single Parent Provision |
(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.
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Waukee Area Christian Services |
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.
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West Des Moines Human Services |
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.
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Holiday Toys & Gifts
Bidwell Riverside Center |
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.
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Bond of Unity Toys for Tots |
(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.
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Christ Apostolic Temple’s Community Outreach Services Toys for Tots |
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.
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Earlham Church of Christ |
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.
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Hope and Elim Church |
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.
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New Opportunities Dallas County Family Development Center
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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.
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Salvation Army |
(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.
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Single Parent Provision |
(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.
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Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN) |
(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.
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Waukee Area Christian Services |
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.
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West Des Moines Human Services |
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.
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West Des Moines Human Services |
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.
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Other Winter Assistance
Ankeny Community Engagement Project Fresh Start |
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.
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Kingdom Life |
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)
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Mary’s Helping Hands Winter Coat Giveaway |
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.
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Polk County Veteran Affairs |
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.
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