Volunteer at ChildServe

Making a Difference

ChildServe volunteers make an enormous difference in the lives of the kids and young adults we serve. We have many volunteer opportunities like reading to kids, playing games, preparing or helping with a craft and more! We also need volunteers for our exciting annual events like the Run, Walk, and FUN for the Kids, Trunk or Treat, Kid’s Week, and other fun events throughout the year. We welcome energetic, enthusiastic individuals and groups who pass our background check process and complete our Volunteer Application.

Jump In!

ChildServe has many volunteer opportunities to consider! We will match your skills and interests with one or more of the following opportunities as they are needed:

Direct support: rocking infants, playing games, reading books, and helping with activities

ChildServe event staffing: organization, set-up, or clean-up

Administrative support: filing, assembling packets, preparing crafts

Professional volunteer: landscaping, fundraising, committees

Special skills: sewing or woodworking

Important Guidelines

Time Commitment

We partner with volunteers who are willing to donate a minimum requirement of 20 hours in 6 months or more to the children and young adults we serve.

Age Requirements

We welcome volunteers of all ages! However, children 13 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Health Requirements

For children with complex medical conditions, getting sick can be life threatening. Depending on the area you volunteer in, ChildServe may require you to receive a flu shot. All volunteers must be symptom free to volunteer.

Enjoy Being with Amazing Kids

Some of the kids we serve are wheelchair-bound, and some are non-verbal. They each have an amazing story and personality no matter what their physical or intellectual abilities are – we can’t wait for you to meet them!

How Do I Get Started?

Individual Volunteer

If you are interested in ongoing volunteering at ChildServe, please complete and submit the application..

Individual Application

Group Opportunities

If you are a group or company interested in volunteering at ChildServe, please complete and submit the application packet.

Group Application

Questions

Have questions about volunteer opportunities at ChildServe? Reach out and contact us today! We are excited to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started as an individual volunteer?

1) Complete the appropriate Volunteer Application Packet:

– Individual Volunteer

– Group Volunteers

Does ChildServe allow group service volunteer projects?

Yes! To become a group volunteer, fill out the online packet.

Individual volunteer?

All volunteers must fill out the online packet, pass a background check, and agree to a minimum requirement of 20 hours in 6 months. We welcome volunteers of any age. However, children 14 years old and younger must be with an adult at all times.

Court-ordered service hours cannot be completed at ChildServe.

Where can I volunteer?

We have volunteer opportunities at the following location: Ames, Iowa City, and Johnston. Tasks and opportunities will vary based on the needs of each location throughout the year.

What tasks would I be doing at ChildServe?

Depending on your areas of skill and interest, we will match you with activities needed by our departments. For example, we have opportunities for direct interaction with children, like rocking infants, reading books, playing games, and going for walks; as well as behind the scenes work including helping our events run smoothly, creating holiday cards, and much more!

Does ChildServe need any in-kind gifts?

Yes! We frequently use a variety of in-kind gifts for our programs and events:

Craft supplies like new glue sticks, markers, crayons, contruction paper, pipe cleaners
Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation systems and games (new or preowned)

If you have other gifts that you would like to donate to ChildServe, please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Kaylene Steele, at 515-331-8139 to find out if we have a space or need for it.

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Ames
1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-232-7220

ChildServe – Johnston
5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-727-8750

ChildServe – Iowa City
2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241
319-351-5437

If you have any questions, please use the contact form below to reach our Volunteer Coordinator, or call 515-331-8139.

ChildServe - Johnston

ChildServe - Ames

ChildServe - Iowa City

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of nearly 4,500 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, acquired injuries, and other special healthcare needs.