Volunteers,

As we continue to monitor the developments of COVID-19, our team is committed to protecting the safety of our patrons, participants, and staff. The safety of our community is always our top priority. In light of the most recent declarations by public officials and health officials designed to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have taken measures to lower that risk. To keep up to date on these changes, please visit: www.dsm.city/covid19
 
There are still ways to recreate outside and enjoy our parks and trails. As we all know, being outside and recreating in nature benefits physical and mental well-being. We urge you all to follow all of the CDC guidelines such as washing your hands often, avoiding groups of 10 or more and practicing safe social distancing while enjoying the outdoors.

Please see this video from Mayor Cownie for additional information.
We may not be able to host volunteer activities at this time but we have a few messages from our staff about volunteers, enjoy below!
" Our volunteer coaches serve as mentors to our young athletes by promoting healthy-living, self-confidence, leadership, and good teamwork. We thank those of you who have volunteered for us in the past and invite those who are interested in making a difference in young lives and your community to join us in the future !" - Athletics Team
"As I write this we are in the middle of seeding what seems to be endless numbers of zinnias and marigolds. It is hard not to think, Oh boy, I sure wish I had some volunteers to help finish these up. Unfortunately, that will not be the case this season. It has never been lost on me the importance of our volunteers, but now more than ever, as we seem to be up to our necks in plugs and cuttings, I can fully understand how vital volunteers are to our operation. I just want to say thank you for the dedication and support you have provided us at the City greenhouse over the years. I look forward to the day when once again we will have our devoted group of volunteers back to help transplant through the spring season. Even in these uncertain times there are still some things we count on. The flowers are still going to bloom, the bees will still buzz and before we know it the signs of Spring will be all around us. Remember to stay home and stay healthy but don’t forget to get outside once in a while and enjoy to sights and smells of spring. As long as we are proactive and practice the recommended health guidelines gardening is one exercise we should not to afraid to do. In fact as many of you already know it can be therapeutic and give us a break from crazy time we are in. So go ahead, dig in the soil, plant some seeds and watch them grow. I look forward seeing you all back at greenhouse when the time comes.
 
Take care and stay well,"
 
-Colt Stephens  
Des Moines Parks and Recreation cannot wait to return to our regular volunteer operations, especially working hand in hand with all of our amazing and important volunteers! In the meantime, we would like to highlight some places that can use your help during these unprecedented times.

"There is a national shortage of commercially-produced PPE including face masks, and public and private officials are working to address national and global supply challenges. Due to the current limitations on supplies of face masks, there may come a time during this response when commercially manufactured masks are no longer readily available. Iowans who would like to support healthcare providers can use this guidance document to construct homemade cloth masks that can be worn by Iowa healthcare providers during patient care. "

You can make a difference and impact food insecurity right here in our community. Bidwell normally serves over 4000 individuals each month, but our numbers are rising with so many people not working during the COVID-19 situation.

If you are interested please contact Missy Reams at mreams@bidwellriverside.org  or 515-244-6251 option 5.
YESS is so grateful for our community partners who have reached out to ask how you can help. Just as many nonprofit organizations are being impacted through the COVID-19 pandemic, YESS is feeling the impact. We are asking the community to consider supporting YESS through a financial contribution or in-kind gift.  
Meal and Essential Supply Delivery: 
Help support your community by delivering essential items to homes in need. Work with EMBARC to coordinate food and supply drop-offs to families who need it most. Volunteers may make runs to local food pantries or other resource locations as needed. 

Contact: Elizabeth Hellman at  volunteer@embarciowa.org  for more information.
Broadlawns welcomes donations of catered meals or restaurant gift cards as a way to support our medical staff on the front lines while also supporting local businesses. At this time, we are not accepting homemade food items. For your safety and the safety of our patients and staff, please email foundation@broadlawns.org  to coordinate any donation. Please do not enter the Medical Center with donations. Broadlawns has been fortunate to receive an overwhelming amount of support from the community during these challenging times. Thank you for your generosity!
Key Responsibilities: Packaging items to be distributed to our partner food pantries and through our mobile food pantry network breaking down cardboard boxes and discarding trash Support/Training: Volunteers will be provided with instructions and ongoing guidance from a DMARC warehouse staff person for the duration of their shift.

To Register: Visit https://www.dmarcunited.org/volunteer/ and click COVID-19 Emergency Response--Package Food Bags
Des Moines Parks and Recreation | 515-494-8552 |  parksvolunteer@dmgov.org
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