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- New Family Thrift Store & Food Pantry Opening in 2024
Rules for Center’s Family Thrift Store & Food Pantry starting January 8, 2024.
Each Participant donates $3. No refunds.
No limit on clothes or shoes
Appliances & Furniture are $5 each
You must be 16 years or older to participate.
Store Hours are Monday through Friday, 1 pm to 4 pm, and every Family Game Night from 4 to 6:30 pm.
- New Children Program
Starting Thursday, November 16th, all children K-8th Grade are invited to Kids Zone from 5 to 7 pm every Thursday. Come for a free meal, activities, and bible devotionals. All children who attend are eligible for our Family Christmas Store.
- Last Family Game Night of 2023
Join us for our last Family Game Night of 2023 on Friday, December 15th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Typically, our Family Game Nights are on Saturdays, so please note the difference. Our Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, and Toiletries will be open. Starting in January 2024, each participant will be charged $3 per use.
- Annual MLK Trunk-or-Treat Night
Best Kids Costume wins a VR Head Set!!!! Adults are encouraged to dress up, but only a kid wins the Virtual Headset. Join us next Saturday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for this free event for the public.1526 MLK Jr Pkwy in Des Moines. - New Food Pantry Requirement for Participants
The Friendship Center will hold an Evening Food Pantry during our Family Game Nights from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Before receiving this food supplement program, each participant must attend the evening Financial Literacy Class, starting at 4:45 p.m.The Friendship Center offers a supplemental Food program to neighbors in the immediate area. No ID is required. Please go through our Clothing Closet. Pick up Diapers and Wipes and any toiletries you need. This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement: https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement
Volunteer Opportunity:
We always need individuals to sack food and groceries or pray with participants of our Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Joe at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.
- School Year Programming
Thursday, August 24th: After-School Kids Club begins from 3 to 4:15 pm. Parents, please register your child on this day. Kids Club will be every Tuesday and Thursday. Teen Youth Group will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm every Thursday. We need volunteers. If interested, please let us know. - Kids Zone Summer Program
New in 2023, the Friendship Center will host a weekly “Kids Zone” from 5 to 8 pm. Children K-8th grade will come for activities, games, free dinner, and bible devotionals every week. In addition, groups from all over Iowa will visit the center weekly to teach life skills to children. First Family Church will be providing the meals all summer long. No pre-registration is required. They are starting June 1st through August 10th. For questions or to volunteer, please get in touch with Shelly at dotyshelly@hotmail.com.
- Smoking BBQ Contest coming to the Friendship Center
Each year at our MLK Block Party, the Friendship Center hosts its annual smoking bbq competition called “Smoke the Competition.” Teams all over Iowa come for a fun backyard fundraising event that benefits the MLK Community. Each year teams compete for prizes, points, and money to smoke their best ribs and chicken. Spots are limited, so please register from March 1st through June 30th.
- Help us create a Christmas Blessing in 2022
Parents of the MLK Community,
Please mark your calendars for our first annual Family Christmas Store on Friday, December 16th, and Saturday, December 17th, from 6:30 to 8 pm. We are collecting wishlists from children, teens, and women who attend After-School Kids Club, Teen Youth Group, and Ladies Growth Group. You can purchase Christmas gifts from your child’s list at 80% off.
Ministry Partners,
If you wish to purchase Christmas gifts, please visit Amazon and search Friendship Center Christmas Wish lists 2022, starting Monday, November 14th. Presents can be bought and sent directly to the center if you wish.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe & Shelly at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org. - Altoona Smiles Sponsors MLK Block Party
The center would like to say thank you to Altoona Smiles, PC, located at 2575 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009, for becoming a sponsor for our MLK Block Party on July 30th from 3 to 6:30 pm.