Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of the Midlands

Volunteer: Day of Service

Opportunity: Clean and organize the Mobile Wellness Unit
Volunteers: 3-4
Description: Our Mobile Wellness Unit (MWU) is a converted toy hauler that serves as a mobile dental office and
community outreach space. After a busy season traveling to schools and community events, it could use a
thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing so it's ready for its next "road trip."
Opportunity: Clean and vacuum our two fleet SUVs
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: Help give our two mid-size SUVs a refresh! These vehicles are used daily by our Parent Educators and
Public Health team for home visits and community outreach. A good wash and interior vacuuming will help keep
them looking their best.
Opportunity: Clean and sanitize furniture and toys in the childcare room
Volunteers: 6-8
Description: This space is used for family visits, community socialization events, trainings, and childcare.
Volunteers will clean and sanitize toys, furniture, and high-touch surfaces, helping create a healthy, welcoming
environment for children and families - especially as cold and flu season approaches.
Opportunity: Assemble Trunk or Treat projects (such as Toothbrush Ghosts)
Volunteers: 10-15
Description: A fun, hands-on project! Volunteers will create our popular "Toothbrush Ghosts" by transforming
toothbrushes into adorable Halloween giveaways using tissues and markers. These are distributed to children
throughout the community during Trunk or Treat events.
Opportunity: Prepare monthly mailers for our Family Support and Public Health programs
Volunteers: 10-15
Description: Each month we send hundreds of resource packets to families. Volunteers will fold materials, stuff
envelopes, seal mailers, and help prepare these important communications for mailing.
Opportunity: Assemble wellness kits
Volunteers: 15-20
Description: Volunteers will assemble wellness kits based on current program needs. One example is our
toothbrush kits, which include items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a brushing timer for children
participating in our I-Smile @ School Program.
Opportunity: Put together packets for our upcoming Fall Flannel Fling fundraiser
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: While planning is still underway, we anticipate needing assistance assembling packets, organizing
supplies, and preparing materials for our annual fall fundraising event.
Opportunity: Campus trash pickup
Volunteers: 15-20
Description: Help keep the beautiful Lakin Campus looking its best! Volunteers will walk the campus and
surrounding areas collecting litter and helping maintain a clean, welcoming environment for everyone who visits.
Opportunity: Support the launch of our new Thrive Iowa program
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: As we continue launching this exciting new initiative, additional project needs may arise. While we
don't yet know exactly what those tasks will be, we anticipate having meaningful opportunities for volunteers to
assist with organizing materials, preparing resources, or other startup activities.
Additional opportunities as needed
As we get closer to the September timeframe, additional projects or needs may arise where volunteers could
provide valuable support. We are happy to adjust and identify opportunities that best align with current needs and
ensure volunteers have a meaningful way to contribute

Agency: Firefly

Opportunity: Clean and organize the Mobile Wellness Unit
Volunteers: 3-4
Description: Our Mobile Wellness Unit (MWU) is a converted toy hauler that serves as a mobile dental office and
community outreach space. After a busy season traveling to schools and community events, it could use a
thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing so it's ready for its next "road trip."
Opportunity: Clean and vacuum our two fleet SUVs
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: Help give our two mid-size SUVs a refresh! These vehicles are used daily by our Parent Educators and
Public Health team for home visits and community outreach. A good wash and interior vacuuming will help keep
them looking their best.
Opportunity: Clean and sanitize furniture and toys in the childcare room
Volunteers: 6-8
Description: This space is used for family visits, community socialization events, trainings, and childcare.
Volunteers will clean and sanitize toys, furniture, and high-touch surfaces, helping create a healthy, welcoming
environment for children and families - especially as cold and flu season approaches.
Opportunity: Assemble Trunk or Treat projects (such as Toothbrush Ghosts)
Volunteers: 10-15
Description: A fun, hands-on project! Volunteers will create our popular "Toothbrush Ghosts" by transforming
toothbrushes into adorable Halloween giveaways using tissues and markers. These are distributed to children
throughout the community during Trunk or Treat events.
Opportunity: Prepare monthly mailers for our Family Support and Public Health programs
Volunteers: 10-15
Description: Each month we send hundreds of resource packets to families. Volunteers will fold materials, stuff
envelopes, seal mailers, and help prepare these important communications for mailing.
Opportunity: Assemble wellness kits
Volunteers: 15-20
Description: Volunteers will assemble wellness kits based on current program needs. One example is our
toothbrush kits, which include items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a brushing timer for children
participating in our I-Smile @ School Program.
Opportunity: Put together packets for our upcoming Fall Flannel Fling fundraiser
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: While planning is still underway, we anticipate needing assistance assembling packets, organizing
supplies, and preparing materials for our annual fall fundraising event.
Opportunity: Campus trash pickup
Volunteers: 15-20
Description: Help keep the beautiful Lakin Campus looking its best! Volunteers will walk the campus and
surrounding areas collecting litter and helping maintain a clean, welcoming environment for everyone who visits.
Opportunity: Support the launch of our new Thrive Iowa program
Volunteers: 4-6
Description: As we continue launching this exciting new initiative, additional project needs may arise. While we
don't yet know exactly what those tasks will be, we anticipate having meaningful opportunities for volunteers to
assist with organizing materials, preparing resources, or other startup activities.
Additional opportunities as needed
As we get closer to the September timeframe, additional projects or needs may arise where volunteers could
provide valuable support. We are happy to adjust and identify opportunities that best align with current needs and
ensure volunteers have a meaningful way to contribute

Agency: Firefly

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 11, 2026

Zip Code: 51501

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Mailing Magicians

Firefly sends out a monthly mailing to everyone newly eligible for Medicaid insurance coverage.  These mailings need to be prepared and stuffed, so some folks with quick fingers and agile wrists would be the perfect fit to get those envelopes ready to mail.  When those we serve receive their mailing, they are filled with resources to connect them to supports they need, as well as information on ensuring their family has a medical and dental home.  These supports help keep families healthy and out of the costly hospital and ER.

Agency: Firefly

Firefly sends out a monthly mailing to everyone newly eligible for Medicaid insurance coverage.  These mailings need to be prepared and stuffed, so some folks with quick fingers and agile wrists would be the perfect fit to get those envelopes ready to mail.  When those we serve receive their mailing, they are filled with resources to connect them to supports they need, as well as information on ensuring their family has a medical and dental home.  These supports help keep families healthy and out of the costly hospital and ER.

Agency: Firefly

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Nov 30, 2026

Zip Code: 51501

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Welcome Center

Welcome Center Volunteers serve as the first point of contact for visitors, clients, and community partners. This role helps create a welcoming, professional, and supportive environment while assisting staff with basic administrative and reception duties.

Key Responsibilities

Answer buzzer (doorbell).

Greet visitors, clients, and guests in a friendly and professional manner.

Direct visitors to the appropriate team member, office, or program.

Answer and route incoming phone calls as needed.

Provide general information about Firefly programs and services.

Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area.

Follow all confidentiality, safety, and organizational policies.

Dust shelving behind desk

Wipe down and clean desk

Ensure books are neatly organized with no rips or tears.

Ensure printer supplies are stocked

Help keep “chill zone” clean and organized.



Qualifications

Friendly and professional demeanor.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Comfortable interacting with diverse populations.

Basic computer and telephone skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Dependable and punctual.



Time Commitment

Schedule: The welcome center is operational Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30

Volunteer shifts range anywhere from 2-8 hours per shift.


Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the office environment.

Ability to use a telephone, computer, and standard office equipment.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds 

Benefits

Gain experience in nonprofit operations and customer service.

Develop administrative and communication skills.

Make a meaningful impact on children, families, and the community.

Become part of a supportive and mission-driven team.

Earn volunteer hours to report to numerous agencies and programs.



Agency: Firefly

Welcome Center Volunteers serve as the first point of contact for visitors, clients, and community partners. This role helps create a welcoming, professional, and supportive environment while assisting staff with basic administrative and reception duties.

Key Responsibilities

Answer buzzer (doorbell).

Greet visitors, clients, and guests in a friendly and professional manner.

Direct visitors to the appropriate team member, office, or program.

Answer and route incoming phone calls as needed.

Provide general information about Firefly programs and services.

Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area.

Follow all confidentiality, safety, and organizational policies.

Dust shelving behind desk

Wipe down and clean desk

Ensure books are neatly organized with no rips or tears.

Ensure printer supplies are stocked

Help keep “chill zone” clean and organized.



Qualifications

Friendly and professional demeanor.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Comfortable interacting with diverse populations.

Basic computer and telephone skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Dependable and punctual.



Time Commitment

Schedule: The welcome center is operational Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30

Volunteer shifts range anywhere from 2-8 hours per shift.


Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the office environment.

Ability to use a telephone, computer, and standard office equipment.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds 

Benefits

Gain experience in nonprofit operations and customer service.

Develop administrative and communication skills.

Make a meaningful impact on children, families, and the community.

Become part of a supportive and mission-driven team.

Earn volunteer hours to report to numerous agencies and programs.



Agency: Firefly

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jul 23, 2027

Zip Code: 51501

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Ongoing Glow Squad Opportunities

This opportunity is for ongoing volunteer needs at Firefly. Volunteer assignments may vary based on current organizational needs and can include a wide range of tasks that support our programs, staff, and mission.

Opportunities may include office support, front desk coverage, event assistance, organizing donations or supplies, administrative projects, and other tasks as needed.



Agency: Firefly

This opportunity is for ongoing volunteer needs at Firefly. Volunteer assignments may vary based on current organizational needs and can include a wide range of tasks that support our programs, staff, and mission.

Opportunities may include office support, front desk coverage, event assistance, organizing donations or supplies, administrative projects, and other tasks as needed.



Agency: Firefly

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 51501

Allow Groups: Yes