Season of Support: 

2025 Holiday Giving Opportunities

banner image with images of a a person making a donation on a phone, a grocery cart, a wrapped gift and a box of donated toy items.

The holidays should be joyful, but for many in our community, they bring stress and hardship. Our Holiday Assistance Programs support income-eligible families during this critical time. Join us in this Season of Support to help bring hope and cheer to those who need it most. 

For the 2025 holiday season, we are excited to introduce a new model for giving, one that continues to honor the spirit of the holidays while increasing our reach and efficiency. This year instead of coordinating Adopt-A Family Pairings, we are inviting individuals, groups and organizations to host holiday donation drives focused on collecting new items for children and teens. These items will be distributed at a festive event at our office where families can "shop" for gifts that are just right for their loved ones. 

Giftland Replaces Adopt-A-Family

 We understand that Adopt-A-Family holds a special place in the hearts of many long-time supporters. And while the format is changing, the mission remains the same: to brighten the holidays for our neighbors in need. We hope you will continue to rally your teams, churches, classmates, coworkers, and friends to make a meaningful difference this season.

Click here to view PDF of holiday giving opportunities

Ways to Give!

SUPPORT HOLIDAY FOOD ASSISTANCE

green icon of a shopping cart

 

  

Help us provide holiday meal assistance by making a donation designated for food vouchers.

Click here to provide a monetary donation for holiday food vouchers.

 MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

green icon with a hand holding a dollar sign

  

Make a donation to assist the department in helping those less fortunate during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Click here to provide a monetary donation. 

DONATE KIDS TOYS

green icon of various toys including a teddy bear, ball and doll

 

Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be distributed to families in need during our December Giftland event for kids age 18 and under. 

Step 1: Click here to register to donate toys.(optional) 

Step 2: Shop in store and drop off your gift donation(s) at West Des Moines Human Services during donation hours OR Click here to shop our Amazon Wishlist.

Note: Items ordered from our Amazon Wishlist ship directly to our office. 

Note: Donations can also be dropped off at WDM Human Services During our regular donation hours. Donation drop-off deadline: Monday, December 15th 

Click here to view list of kid gift ideas 

 

 DONATE TEEN GIFTS

 green icons of teen gift ideas, camera, backpack, bluetooth speaker and ear buds

 

Donations of new, unwrapped teen gifts will be distributed to families in need during our December Giftland event for kids age 18 and under.

Step 1: Click here to register to donate teen gifts. (optional) 

Step 2: Shop in store and drop off your gift donation(s) at West Des Moines Human Services during donation hours OR Click here to shop our Amazon Wishlist.

Note: Items ordered from our Amazon Wishlist ship directly to our office. 

Note: Donations can also be dropped off at WDM Human Services During our regular donation hours. Donation drop-off deadline: Monday, December 15th 

Click here to view list of teen gift ideas

HOST A DONATION DRIVE FOR TOYS OR TEEN GIFTS

green icon with toys in a donation box

  

Donations of new, unwrapped gifts will be distributed to families in need during our December Giftland event for kids age 18 and under. Promotional materials are available to those hosting a drive. Donation drop-off deadline: Monday, December 15th

Click here to register to host a donation drive.

Holiday Giving Tree Tags

Image of a holiday gift on an icon of a gift tag.

New this year, we’re excited to introduce our Holiday Giving Tree Tags! Each tag will include the age of a child as well as a gift idea. We’re inviting businesses and organizations to request tags from our office and display them on a tree, bulletin board, or another spot in your community space.

We have three giving tree tag options: kids toys, teen gifts and monetary donations for holiday food vouchers.

You can request any number or combination of giving tree tags. Please request tags by sending an email to humanservices@wdm.iowa.gov. A member of our staff will prepare them by adding gift ideas to each tag. After submitting your request for tags, they will be available for pickup at the Human Services Office.

Here’s how it works:

  • You display the tags at your business or organization
  • Employees or visitors select a tag
  • They purchase the gift listed on the tag in store and return it to your business or organization OR they can shop from our Amazon Wishlist to be delivered straight to us.

Holiday Giving Tree Tags: 
Holiday Giving Tree Tags Image with 3 assorted tags for Kids Gifts, teen gifts and food vouchers.

 Looking for a gift for someone who has everything? Show your family, friends or business associates that you care by making a donation in their honor! Make an online donation and then use the "gift a donation" link below to submit a form  - we will send a card to the recipient, stating that a donation has been made in their honor, along with any personalized message you provide.

Thank you for your partnership and continued support of West Des Moines Human Services. Please join us in making this a happy holiday for all!

WDM Human Services Donation Hours: 
Monday - 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Tuesday - 8:30 AM - 3 PM or 4:30 - 6 PM 
Wednesday - 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Thursday - 8:30 - 3 PM 
Friday - 8:30 AM - 12 PM 

 For more information, please call 515- 222-3663 or Melinda.Hotovec@wdm.iowa.gov

GIFT A DONATION - Holiday Honor Card Request