Together We GAVE! Thank You! | | |
THANK YOU to all who supported Catholic Charities during this year’s Giving Tuesday. Because of your generosity, we raised more than $17,000 and met our Board’s matching gift! Meaning, we raised a combined total of more than $28,000! Your generosity strengthens our programs and allows us to continue serving our neighbors with dignity and compassion.
Every gift made, no matter the size, has immense impact. Thank you!
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Catholic Charities Food Pantry Feeds Hundreds this Thanksgiving
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry’s annual Giving Thanksgiving event supported more than 680 families this Thanksgiving. For 30 years, this event has helped food pantry clients celebrate the holidays by providing them with a turkey or other holiday meat along with sides including bread, canned vegetables, potatoes, milk and a dessert. We are grateful for our long-time partner, St. Pius X parish in Urbandale, IA, for their support and generosity. In addition, Hy-Vee, Inc. generously donated 1,400 canned vegetables to this year’s event, playing a key role in helping us provide traditional holiday meal items for families in the community.
We are also grateful for our food pantry partners, donors and volunteers who helped make this year’s event a success!
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Thank You Giving Machine!
We are grateful to have been a part of this year’s Light the World Giving Machine. The Giving Machine is a customized vending machine that allows the public to donate necessary products and services to those in need, locally and worldwide.
The Giving Machine was available at the Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, IA from November 20 through December 9. During this time, hundreds of donations were made to support this year’s charitable partners, including Catholic Charities!
Thank you Giving Machine!
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Tickets On Sale NOW!
2026 Shamrocks and Shenanigans
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Glen Oaks Country Club
1401 Glen Oaks Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Tickets to our upcoming Shamrocks and Shenanigans event will make the perfect Christmas gift! Join us, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines and prepare yourself for a unique evening of Irish fun while learning about the vital work happening at Catholic Charities!
NEW THIS YEAR: We are bringing a taste of Ireland to Des Moines! Join us before the event at 5 p.m. for an unforgettable Irish Pub Experience, featuring a guided Guinness tasting, Irish pub trivia and a commemorative cup to take with you! Space for this exclusive experience is limited!
| | | | Support Those in Need this Advent and Christmas Season | | |
Feeling called to serve those in need but not sure where to start? Catholic Charities can help you answer that call! As the service arm of the Catholic Church, we follow in Christ's footsteps by going to the margins and serving our neighbors in need.
Here's how you can get involved this Advent and Christmas season!
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Make a Donation
Making a monetary donation is one of the most impactful ways to support our mission. Your generosity ensures we can provide food, shelter, stability and hope to our neighbors in need.
Every dollar helps us reach more individuals and families and offer them the support they need when they need it most.
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Volunteer
Advent reminds us that even small acts of love can illuminate the darkness. At Catholic Charities, we offer many ways for you to serve and be a part of the light. Whether it is by yourself, as a family or as a group, we have opportunities for everyone to get involved. Our volunteers help us live out our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families, with compassion, every hour of every day.
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Provide a Meal
Providing a meal at the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter is a beautiful way to accompany families on their journey back to self-sufficiency. This simple act of kindness warms hearts and leaves a lasting impact.
Current Available Dates:
December: 21, 28, 30, 31
January: 5, 6, 15, 18, 25, 29, 30, 31
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Shop our Amazon Wish Lists
Catholic Charities cares for more than 33,000 individuals every year, work that requires tremendous resources and a generous community behind it. As we journey through Advent, your generosity helps us go further in serving and uplifting our neighbors.
Consider shopping one of our Amazon Wish Lists to help provide essential items to our programs.
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Hold a Personals Drive
Personal care items are something our programs are always in need of. For most of us, having access to toilet paper or shampoo doesn’t get a second thought, but for those we serve, these essentials can feel out of reach.
You can help by donating these items or by organizing a personal care drive with your family, parish, workplace, or community group.
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Support the Work of Clients
Are you a fan of shopping local? Do you love unique, handmade gifts?
Consider supporting the creativity and talents of our current and former clients. From special crafts to handmade jewelry, our clients are excited to share their gifts with you.
Interested in learning more? Contact us!
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Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Geri Boesen, a former Catholic Charities Board Member, consistently gifts Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Des Moines with her time, creativity and talents by setting up and decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby of the Pastoral Center at 601 Grand Ave in downtown Des Moines. She also decorated the planters outside of the building as well to create a welcoming and festive environment for staff and clients.
Thank you Geri!
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Mending the Mind on the Holidays
Christmas and the holiday season, though joyous, can also bring stress and worry.
Barbara Graham, Catholic Charities Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, reminds us that this Christmas, the greatest gift we can give isn't found under the tree, it's our presence. By listening, loving, and truly accompanying others with compassion and humility.
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Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Wolves
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Celebrate Catholic Charities while enjoying an evening of basketball with the Iowa Wolves! When you purchase a ticket, $5 goes back to support the vital work being done at Catholic Charities!
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Catholic Charities is Hiring!
We are hiring! Are you passionate about serving others? Are you ready to make a real difference? Join the Catholic Charities team! We are looking for passionate, mission-driven individuals to fill several rewarding roles. Apply today and let your passion meet purpose!
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Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving
Thank you to our donors who are always interested in tax-efficient giving. Year-long, consistent support is critical for the effective operation of our organization.
Some strategies for you to consider:
- Utilize your donor-advised funds. Ask your financial advisor about setting up recurring DAF grants (monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- If you are age 70 1/2, you can make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from your IRA, which remain unaffected by itemizing rules, giving you a reliable, tax-efficient way to give annually.
- Even if you don’t itemize, you can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples).
The long-term sustainability of our organization can be achieved through gifts in your wills, beneficiary designations, and other legacy gifts. Reach out to Bobbi Jo Smith to obtain the simple language you can include in your documents.
Our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families is only achievable because of donors like you!
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Keep up with us on Social Media!
Follow Catholic Charities of Des Moines on social media. Be up to date on events, news and our programs!
Like us on Facebook
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Your Support Serves Thousands in Central and Southwest Iowa
Catholic Charities' Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities along with government and private grant funding.
Donors who commit to an annual gift help strengthen and empower individuals and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Consider an annual gift that will help all year!
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Serving those in need within the Diocese of Des Moines
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, serves those in need within the 23 counties of the Diocese of Des Moines in southwest Iowa. Our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families applies to anyone in need in the area, regardless of demographic. Our mission is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Our programs and services include refugee resettlement, professional counseling, food pantry, domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and services, emergency family shelter and more. We impact over 33,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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