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 Sara Roberts at sroberts@yss.org.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!
Teen Maze
Teen Maze caters to middle school students across central Iowa and offers an experience like no other! Navigating through the maze, teens will learn about important topics surround health, wellness, relationships, peer pressure, employment, life skills, and more! Each year, volunteers help students get from place to place, assist with decorating, clean-up, and so much more!
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 in Drake Stadium. 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.
