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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.

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.

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.

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.

Follow the Friendship Center on Instagram @friendship_centerdsm for all the exciting events and stories happening at the center.

***New Hours***
Every Family Game Night from 4 to 6:30 pm, the public is free to come through our Clothing Closet and pick up as many items as needed. We just received about 50 snow boots for children and got furniture and other household items from time to time. All are welcome to attend as much as you want.

Volunteer Opportunity: If you would like to volunteer, please let Joe know at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org

Thank you to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for donating Dog and Cat food for our local food pantry and caring about the MLK neighborhood.

The Friendship Center would like to thank Scheels for their continued support of our ministries to the MLK Community. We could not keep our doors open without your support. Merry Christmas!!!

This Saturday, starting at 2 pm at the Friendship Center located at 1526 MLK Jr Pkwy in Des Moines, our Monthly Family Game Night, Pictures with Santa Claus, all kids receive a gift!

Schedule of Events:
2 to 4 pm- Pictures with Santa, hand out teddy bears and other gifts.

4 to 5 pm-Bingo tournament with 20 Prizes and Grand Prize of a new 42″ Flat screen TV.

5 pm to 6 pm-Free Christmas Dinner provided by Grandview Christian School.

6 pm to 7 pm- Our Food Pantry is open to all. No ID required. Meat, dairy, and canned goods, along with toiletries, diapers, and clothing closet.

Merry Christmas MLK Community

The Friendship Center is excited to partner with King Elementary to offer a Fall Party for King Elementary Students and Families on Friday, October 29th, from 3 to 5 pm. If you would like to volunteer with this event, please let Joe know at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.