Consider Volunteering and Helping Iowa Communities
On March 5th Winterset Iowa suffered from an EF-3 tornado. Wind speeds reached up to 165 mph. The tornado hit a 14-mile path of snapped trees, power lines, leveled homes and scattered debris. More than 50 homes were estimated to be damaged or destroyed. Volunteers from all over Iowa came to help with the cleanup. More than a thousand volunteers have stepped in and helped with things like debris removal, packing boxes and locating lost items.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines took our trucks, dump trailers and employee volunteers to help with debris removal and emptying out a barn and the contents.
Now a month later the cleanup is still going, and they still need volunteers to help with cleanup. If unable to go out and volunteer, consider helping in other ways, such as donating to GoFundMe. The Greater Madison County Community Foundation has established the Disaster Recovery Fund also.
You can sign up as a volunteer on Madison County Chamber ofCommerce, their Phone number is 515-462-1185.
Being involved in a tornado or any other serious weather damage can be traumatizing no matter how prepared you can be.
Tips if have damage to your home from a tornado or any natural disaster:
-Get Medical treatment if needed
-Help neighbors if you can
-Contact loved ones to let them know you are ok
-Assess the damage, inspect home, be cautious, take pictures inside and out
-Contact your insurance company
-Start to repair or rebuild
Consider Volunteering in communities, volunteering strengthens your community and gives you a chance to give back. It brings people together and unites people building teamwork. It is good for you mentally and physically, helps reduce stress and makes you healthier. Volunteering saves resources and money. Helps you learn a lot, helps you with personal growth and self-esteem. You make a substantial difference.
Tips for Getting Started Volunteering:
First, ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do.
For example, do I want…
· to make it better around where I live
· to meet people who are different from me
· to try something new
· to do something with my spare time
· to see a different way of life and new places
· to have a go at the type of work I might want to do as a full-time job
· to do more with my interests and hobbies
· to do something I’m good at
The best way to volunteer is to match your personality and interests. Having answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search.
What are some Volunteer options in Greater DesMoines?
There are hundreds of charitable organizations and nonprofits in DSM. Browse our directory or narrow your search for categories like youth organizations, fundraising and foundations. If you want to get involved with volunteering at nonprofits in DSM, why wait? Use one of the tools above to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you, or search for local organizations and nonprofits on your own. Here are some more ideas for places to volunteer:
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Children & Family Urban Movement
Children’s Cancer Connection
DMARC Food Pantry
Easter seals Iowa
Food Bank of Iowa
Life Serve Blood Center
Ronald McDonald House
Vote Smart
At BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines we love finding volunteering opportunities in and around our communities. As a small business we understand the importance of giving back to the communities and help support people that need the extra help.