The Des Moines Society has chosen to support the Emergency Food Pantry in our community service efforts.

As many of you may be aware, our on-going volunteer opportunities include St. Mary’s Family Center located on the east side of Des Moines, 1815 Hubbell Ave. We donate time on a quarterly basis, and we collect food and monetary donations at each of our events, to be donated to this particular charity group.

About 1,000 families receive aid each month at St. Mary’s, which serves the largest number of clients of any of the Des Area Religious Council’s Food Pantries. The center provides emergency financial assistance, personal care items, clothing and limited household items in addition to the food services. Volunteers prepare food boxes, unload trucks, sort and pick up donations, and serve on the reception desk.

The Society also collects donations of food items at its meetings.

The Des Moines Society also supports The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

LOMA MEMBERS HELP LIGHT THE NIGHT

Light The Night is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual evening fundraising walk campaign to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. Let's join them at Nollen Plaza, September 30, 2006 to help them find a cure! More than a walk, Light the Night is a community celebration and coming-together, providing help and hope for thousands of cancer patients and their families!

Q: What is Light the Night?
A: Walkers carry illuminated balloons to celebrate and commemorate the lives touched by cancer. Families, friends, company teams and civic groups raise funds and walk along a two-to three-mile route in their communities, carrying lighted balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters.

Q: How will the funds from this event be used?
A: Funds raised support our mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Q: Who can participate?
A: Anyone can participate. Children, adults and seniors are all welcome. This is a casual walk with no fitness requirements.

Q: What types of volunteer options are available?
A: There are many volunteer opportunities before, during and after the event:
Tally Pledges - Accounting and Financial Professional volunteers needed to verify incoming pledges (approximately 4 pm - 8 pm)
Event Assistance - Setting up tables, blowing up balloons, take group photos, guide walkers, clean-up, etc. (approximately 4:30 pm - 9 pm)
Special Need: Anyone interested in face painting at the event - please let us know!!!

Q: How can I participate in the event?
A: You can walk as an individual or form a team of walkers. You can use the following link, www.register.lightthenight.org/LTNRegistration/app, to register online or contact the Society at (515) 270-6169.

Q: How can I learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?
A: Please visit their website at: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org. You can also find information about our local Iowa Chapter by using the Chapter Finder option at the link above.
Our participation will help save lives! Let's join together to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their fight against blood cancers by supporting Light the Night with hope and the volunteer power to help raise funds to find cures!

PLEASE REFER TO THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PAGE FOR SPECIFIC DATES AND TIMES.

For additional information or to volunteer, contact Joni Burrell at burrell.joni@principal.com or 515-247-6580
For volunteer dates, click here.

Helping out 3rd Qtr at the Food Pantry on Sept 9, from left to right are Denna Large, Janet Argotsinger, Nora Nurre, and Joni Burrell.