Every year, our big holiday meal outreaches are some of our most popular volunteer opportunities. On Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Saturday before Easter we deliver thousands of free meals to people in need all around the Des Moines area . . . and we also serve a free holiday meal at our Hope Cafe.
And we definitely couldn’t pull off these special events without the amazing volunteers who help out. Each holiday meal outreach includes 100+ volunteers who help us assemble, pack and deliver meals, plus serve our onsite meal. From decorating Hope Cafe to meal delivery driver teams to cleaning up after it’s all over, we have tons of volunteer roles to fulfill.
Online registration for Thanksgiving 2026 will open on Monday, October 12. Watch this page for details . . .
Volunteering isn’t the only way to make a difference this holiday season! Read on to learn about donating much-needed food, providing Christmas bags for our neighbors in need or attending our second annual Christmas Open House.
Thanksgiving Food Donation Day
It takes a lot of food to serve and deliver 4,000+ meals on Thanksgiving. Plus, we serve 650+ meals every day of the year!
You can help out by donating some of our most-needed items during our annual Food Donation Day on the day before Thanksgiving—Wednesday, November 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hope Ministries Bethel Mission (1310 6th Avenue in Des Moines).
Check back soon for this year’s food donation list.
Christmas Gift Bags
At Hope Ministries we want each person to feel valued and loved! You can make this holiday season special for the individuals and families in our care by providing one or more Christmas bags filled with personal and practical gifts.
We’ll provide a gift list (estimated $35-50) and you do the shopping! You can also include a personal note.
More details and sign-up link available soon . . .
Save the Date: Christmas Open House—Dec. 6
We’d absolutely love to see you at our Christmas Open House at Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children!
Date: Sunday, December 6
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Hope Center
(3800 E. Douglas Ave. in Des Moines)