How You can Help
There are many ways to support the mission of CISS. Volunteers can help on big projects, serve on committees, or help with daily needs either on a regular basis or once in a while.
We recognize that many volunteers come to us with special skills and can design a volunteer opportunity for you that’s based on your specific interests. For example, volunteers from Emergency Management Planners, Integrated Resources Corporation, and Johnson Communications have given back to CISS by helping our team transition to more effective technology.
Volunteer Opportunities
Serve Dinner
Housing / Job Application Assistance
If you’re a people person with basic computer skills, consider assisting our clients with filling out housing and job applications and assisting clients with searching for jobs and housing online.
Serve Lunch
Come alone or gather a group of 5- 10 friends and help us serve lunch to the community. Weekday lunches are prepared by our staff, we just need extra hands to help serve it!
Computer Lab
Give clients the opportunity to use our computers by monitoring the classroom space. Can also assist with housing/job applications during this time.
Day Room Attendant
Sometimes just having someone to talk to can make all the difference! Socialize and get to know our clients while they spend time in the day room. Games are always welcome!
Hygiene Window
Help our clients access personal care and hygiene products upon request. Great for organizers and friendly volunteers.
Teach Or Share
Do you have a skill, hobby, or area of interest that you could teach or share with our clients? We offer special programming throughout the week focused on different areas to promote self-sufficiency for our clients.
Donation Sorting
Calling all organizers! Sort incoming donations (clothing, household, and personal products) according to the CISS donation policy. Help restock the clothing closet as needed.
Ready to Volunteer?
Signup for any of the opportunities described above, or check out some of our other specialized volunteer needs listed below.
Other Opportunities
Please fill out our volunteer application here or check out our opportunities below and contact Sadie Nymeyer at snymeyer@centraliowashelter.org or (515) 280-2988 if you have any questions.
- = frequency of commitment
- = number of volunteers needed
- = time slots available
Bulletin Boards
- none
- up to 3
- anytime
Clothing Closet
- Regular (weekly or monthly)
- 1 per shift
- Mon-Sun: 9AM-12PM, 3PM-6PM
Food Pantry
- Regular (weekly or monthly)
- 1 per shift
- Mon-Sun: 9AM-12PM, 4PM-6PM
Food Rescue
- regular
- 1 - 3
- TBD
Group Activities
- TBD
- how many do you have?
- TBD
Office Work
- Regular depending on task
- 1 per task
- depends on the workload
Special Skills
- TBD
- you
- TBD
T-shirt Tote Bags
- none
- depends on workload
- anytime