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

Choose to donate once or give monthly contributions to the American Heart Association in Johnston. There’s also still time to sign up for the Central Iowa Heart Walk taking place at the Iowa State Capitol on Saturday, May 18 to help raise money for research, training and more.
DONATE

ChildServe

Donate to an organization that helps more than 5,800 children each year through its programming and services. You can even donate specifically to children in DSM through Amazon wishlists, too. View the Johnston, Iowa registry here.
DONATE

Easterseals Iowa

When you give to Easterseals Iowa in Des Moines, there are many ways for you to contribute. From 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 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Iowa, donors patients living with blood cancer, helping them find better resources and easing their financial burden. Donate online, by phone, by mail or donate cryptocurrency as a monthly contribution, to honor a loved one or other giving option through the West Des Moines office.
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:

• Urban Pole Walking: Water Works Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) at 10 a.m.
• Aquatics to Restore Health: Waukee at Noon
• Aquatics to Restore Health: Trail Point in Ankeny at 12:15 p.m.
• Aquatics to Restore Health: Waukee at 1 p.m.
• Recovery + Beyond: Walnut Creek YMCA in West Des Moines at 1:15 p.m.
• Bike + Brew: Bill Riley Trail Head to Peace Tree Brewing at 5:30 p.m.
• Indoor Cycling with Dr. Richard Deming: MercyOne Health and Fitness Cycling Room at 6:45 p.m.  
  

VOLUNTEER

The ALS Association

The ALS Association in West Des Moines helps improve the lives of people living with ALS and their families and caregivers. Become an ALS Volunteer Advocate, join a planning committee to help with event logistics or distribute materials as an Event Volunteer.
VOLUNTEER

Looking for more ways to give back to local organizations? Learn how to increase your volunteer hours with these ideas from last month’s Greater Des Moines Partnership blog post for National Volunteer Month.

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 DSM, highlight your purchases by posting them to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and don’t forget to include the hashtag #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 this year’s 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, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

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.