A few years ago, we had the privilege of coming alongside a group of refugees from Myanmar, who lived in refugee camps in Thailand before coming to America. As they transitioned to our country and culture, they lived in an apartment complex near downtown Des Moines. We quickly became friends with their women and children. In actuality, we think we learn more from them than they learned from us. They continue to teach us about the plight of being a refugee, the importance of family and the value of serving one another. They also help us to realize that God’s love passionately pursues them as He does us.

Fast forward a few years, and most of the families have moved from the apartment complex. However, our friendships have continued. We continue to help them as they navigate through our culture, and they continue to teach us about community, family and how to be thankful in adverse situations.

As a church, we would like to continue to extend a hand those who have recently moved to America.

Donate
• Beds, furniture
(Please contact Pastor Tim concerning furniture donations)

Please drop the requested donations items (excluding furniture) at Gloria Dei, 8301 Aurora Ave., Urbandale, Iowa. Please call us at 515-276-1700 when you arrive, so we can open the doors for you.

Volunteer
Here are a few ways to lend a hand to our foreign neighbors:
• Prepare a woman or man for citizenship
• Help a family learn how to speak English
• Help a family connect with outside organizations
• Teach basic home-owners skills to first-time home owners

Freedom for Youth Ministries empowers elementary children, teens and young adults, through the love of Jesus Christ, to break out of their current bondage, discover their God-given talents, and lead transformed lives. They offer a variety of help to those in our community, including tutoring, meals, and work-skill training.

If you have any questions, please contact Freedom for Youth at 515-282-4822.

Joppa’s mission is to create communities of unconditional love, support, and hope for the homeless, as we work together to prevent and ultimately end homelessness.

Joppa collaborates with community partners and helps homeless people access existing resources by mobilizing private donations from families, churches, and corporations to meet unmet needs in homeless services, housing, and education.

Each week, trained volunteers visit an average 194 people living under bridges, in tents, vehicles, and recently off the streets. They build relationships and check in on people, provide food, water, TP, and other necessities, as well as referrals and offer to help people overcome specific obstacles, find housing, and get back on their feet.

Donations Needed
Batteries
Winter boots
Men’s gloves

Volunteer
Volunteers are needed in a variety of ways, such as helping at Joppa’s location, going out to camps and apartments to deliver food.

The Urbandale Food Pantry is a collaborative, community effort to reach out to our neighbors and provide food assistance with dignity and compassion. For over a decade they have been serving our neighbors in need in Polk County. Get involved at the Pantry and give back to your community.

Items Needed
• Canned goods (tuna, chicken, fruits, vegetables, soups, etc.) • Milk
• Fresh produce (apples, bananas, potatoes, vegetables, etc.)
• Boxed cereal, pasta, rice, granola, or other grains
• Crackers, chips, oatmeal, granola bars, and other packaged snacks
• Assorted nuts and mixes • Peanut Butter
Meals in a box (Rice-A-Roni, Hamburger Helper, Mac & Cheese, etc.)

Please drop the requested donations items at Gloria Dei, 8301 Aurora Ave., Urbandale, Iowa. Please call us at 515-276-1700 when you arrive, so we can open the doors for you.

Volunteer
Volunteer at Urbandale Food Pantry by helping restock and manage food items, greeting customers and general office help.