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Every item given helps carry out our mission

Catholic Charities cares for more than 33,000 individuals every year, which takes a massive amount of resources. We rely on community support to help us go above and beyond in caring for the needs of those we serve. Many hands make for light work and more impact. Donations and collections from families, groups, churches and businesses support the programs and services within Catholic Charities.

We are committed to providing our clients with a complete circle of care to help them succeed.

Donated items help many different types of people. Donations of diapers, wipes and personal hygiene items support families and individuals receiving care across all our programs. To make a big impact, consider supporting our efforts by collecting our most-needed items.

Help Us Help Them! Host a Donation Drive

Hosting a donation drive is a simple and meaningful way to support our programs and the neighbors we serve. Whether you’re organizing with a group or doing it on your own, these steps will help you get started.

1. Choose Your Purpose

Start by deciding what you’d like to collect. The most successful drives focus on a specific need.

  • Hygiene and personal care items
  • Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula)
  • Self-stable food or other pantry essentials

Tip: Check out our programs’ Amazon Wish Lists to make the greatest impact.

2. Set a Time and Place

Give your drive structure, so people know how to participate. Choose a date and determine how long your drive will last. Also, decide on where and how items will be collected. Clear information makes it easier for others to say “yes” and stay engaged with your drive.

3. Get the Word Out

Invite others to join! Consider sharing your drive in the parish bulletin or on social media. Many hands make for a greater impact—the more personal the invitation, the better the response.

4. Make it Easy to Participate

Remove as many barriers as possible by providing a clear list of items for people to collect. Label donation bins or drop-off locations and send reminders for people to participate. Consistency and clarity will help make your drive a success!

5. Collect, Sort and Deliver

As your drive wraps up, gather and organize donated items, then schedule a drop-off time with our team.

6. Celebrate the Impact

Recognize your effort. Your drive doesn’t just collect items; it builds community and spreads compassion! Celebrate your impact by taking a photo and sharing your results.

What to get started?

We are here to help! Contact us for a list of current needs or help coordinating your drive.

At this time, we are not accepting furniture or clothing items. Please check in with our community partners, St. Vincent de Paul or The FreeStore.

We do accept baby items! All of our programs have a need for baby diapers, wipes and formula.

Donations can be brought to our main office location at 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309, Monday – Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. For larger donations, please contact Bobbi Jo Smith, Director of Development and Marketing, at 515-237-5064.

Contact Us

Rebecca Kannegiesser

Community Relations Manager

515-237-5078