Did you know that you can give hope, help and heat so families can stay put and stay warm this winter? The DMARC Housing Stability Fund helps low-income families obtain or retain housing by providing short term rent and utilities assistance.

This year, the program will assist 300 families, including 500 children. To learn more, visit dmreligious.org/Pages/Housing-Stability-Fund.aspx.

DMARC relies on volunteers every day. We thank those who have volunteered sorting food, picking up Red Barrels, and hosting their own food and fund drives.

We regularly have individuals, school classes, work groups, and congregations volunteer their time in our Food Pantry Network warehouse sorting and date-checking donated food items.

Red Barrel volunteers pick up food donations from area grocery stores and then transport them to DMARC. Sack Saturday volunteers help by encouraging shoppers to donate.

Many companies, organizations, schools and congregations host food, fund or diaper drives year-round. Are you on a charitable giving or community engagement committee? Consider hosting a drive to benefit DMARC. You can get creative with this! We have had pie-eating contests, frozen turkey bowling, can sculptures, and more, all benefiting the hungry residents of Des Moines.

If you are interested in volunteering in our warehouse, contact Daniel Beck at dbeck@dmreligious.org or 515-282-2026. To volunteer for Red Barrel pick ups, contact John Robinson at jrobinson@dmreligious.org or 515-277-6969.