Celebrate 515 Day in DSM: Give Back Edition
Did you know May marks National Arthritis Month as well as Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish-American Heritage Month and National Mental Health Month, among other holidays? These observances not only remind us of important causes, but also serve as a time to donate funds and/or time to make a difference in our community. In Greater Des Moines (DSM), there are many ways to get involved, from volunteering for organizations within the region to becoming a financial donor for a local group. 515 Day is the perfect time to consider which organizations are a fit for you!
Ways to Give
Become a Donor
American Heart Association Iowa
During the spring, the American Heart Association holds a Spring Renewal Drive, where donations are matched up to $100,000. Choose to donate once or give monthly contributions.
DONATE
ChildServe
Donate to an organization that helps more than 5,600 children each year through its programming and services. You can even donate specifically to children in DSM through Amazon wishlists.
DONATE
Easterseals Iowa
When you give to Easterseals Iowa, there are many ways for you to contribute. By making a donation to honoring someone special through a tribute or memorial to matching employee gifts as a company, you can help send a child to camp, fund assistive technology and resources for individuals at Easterseals Iowa and help those in the program reach independence.
DONATE
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Iowa
By giving to LLS Iowa, donors help those with blood cancer find better resources and make an impact by easing the financial burden for patients and caregivers.
DONATE
Volunteer in Your Community
Above + Beyond Cancer
Volunteer to be a part of the important work at Above and Beyond Cancer, an organization that works to elevate those touched by cancer through participation in journeys around the world and programs for mediation, yoga, nutrition and more. Founded by Dr. Richard Deming, 515 Day also offers several classes for those in various stages of their cancer journey to attend in support of their own well-being and Above + Beyond Cancer, including:
VOLUNTEER
Goodwill of Central Iowa
Individuals and groups looking for volunteer opportunities should look no further than Goodwill of Central Iowa. If you’re 16 years old and above, sign up for a four-hour shift. Groups of up to five people are permitted. If you’re younger than 16, you must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. When volunteering within the retail store, you’ll sort donations, stock shelves and fill displays, among other tasks for your location.
VOLUNTEER
The ALS Association
Train to help a family dealing with ALS within the Volunteer Family Assistance Program so that you can increase their quality of life by providing help with meal prep, yard work, errands, chores, pet care and more.
VOLUNTEER
When you’re out and about on 515 Day this year, don’t forget to share your stops on social media. Wherever you choose to shop, dine or explore in downtown, highlight your purchases by posting them to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and don’t forget to include the hashtags #downtownDSMUSA and #515Day with your post! Local business owners will love seeing that you’re happy with your experience, and they will appreciate feeling the love during the 2023 515 Day celebration!
The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.
Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.