Volunteer
Volunteer
Volunteers share our belief in children, youth, and young adults, and always put them first. In return, we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities that maximize your interests, skills, and availability.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at YSS, contact Jeremy Gustafson at jgustafson@yss.org.Make an Impact Now
- Get involved with one of our annual events like Reggie’s Sleepout, Holiday Giving, and beyond!
- Champion our cause by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube
- Interested in volunteering? Check out our Mentoring Program.
VOLUNTEER
Featured Volunteering Events
Summer Supply Drive
During the summer, YSS holds a supply drive where community members can visit select locations in Ames and Des Moines and purchase items for youth and families in our programs. Our volunteers collect the donated, essential items and distributes them to the corresponding programs. Together, we help create hope and opportunity in our communities!
Holiday Giving
Share hope and joy this holiday season! Community members are encouraged to donate to YSS during the holiday season, providing clothes, blankets, coats, and more to homeless youth, or adopt a family and buy from a curated list for youth and families in the community and visit select locations to donate items to giving trees. Volunteers help with collecting and organizing donations and distributing them to the designated locations. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to give back! Visit the Holiday Giving site to learn more.
Reggie’s Sleepout
Join us in the fight to end youth homelessness in Iowa and sleepout under the stars. Reggie’s Sleepout is an annual event that takes place in Des Moines and brings awareness to youth homelessness in Iowa. Participants engage in fun activities throughout the night and are encouraged to donate to the cause. Volunteers help with registration, set-up, and clean-up! Visit the site to learn more about Reggie’s Sleepout.
More Volunteering Opportunities
Aftercare
Starting out on your own can be exciting — and overwhelming. Our Aftercare program supports young people as they take steps toward independence after foster care or other services. You can help by creating a Transition Tote — a lidded tote filled with household essentials like bedding, towels, dishes, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Grocery or gas gift cards are also a huge help. These totes provide comfort, stability, and the tools youth need to build their new lives. We also welcome donations of diapers, wipes, and baby essentials (sizes 4+ especially needed). Together, we can make sure young adults feel supported as they take their next big step.
Youth Opportunity Center
At our Youth Opportunity Center in Des Moines, every act of service helps create a safe and welcoming space for young people. Volunteers can support by preparing and serving meals, organizing and refilling the hygiene closet, or helping sort donated clothing. You might also pitch in with general cleaning to keep the center warm and inviting, or even share your talents by teaching a class. Donation drives for essential items are always appreciated, too. However you give, you’ll be helping youth in our community feel cared for and supported as they work toward a brighter future.
Lighthouse
At Lighthouse, families and young people find stability, healing, and hope. Volunteers play an important role in helping us create a welcoming, supportive environment. You can get involved by dropping off meals for families staying at Lighthouse, making sure they feel cared for during challenging times. We also welcome volunteers from the community or partner organizations to lead Independent Living Skills groups — teaching practical skills that empower youth to thrive on their own. Your time and care can make a lasting impact on the lives of families and youth at Lighthouse.
