Human Services, Leadership Academy Create ‘Share’ Boxes for Personal Care Items

In any given year, West Des Moines Human Services carves $24,000 out of a shrinking budget to purchase personal care items for the clients they serve.

Items that we often take for granted are sorely needed by those living at or near poverty in our own community. Basic necessities like laundry detergent, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and shaving cream are especially in short supply.

In order to help provide more personal care items, West Des Moines Human Services is asking for the community’s help by donating personal care items to those in need. Along with the West Des Moines Leadership Academy class of 2012-2013, receptacles or, “Share boxes” have been placed in West Des Moines HyVee and Dahl’s stores. Items can be purchased during your next visit and be dropped off in the “Share boxes” when you exit the store.

To find a HyVee or Dahl’s store in West Des Moines, search our directory.

“The idea is to create an ongoing opportunity for citizens to make an impact in the lives of those less fortunate, right here in our community. You may not always able to spot individuals who need our help,” said Sam Ayres, vice president of pperations at Iowa Heart Center and West Des Moines Leadership Academy member. “Oftentimes, it’s our neighbors, coworkers and our children’s classmates who are most in need. They also need our help throughout the year, not just during the holidays when we are most likely to give.”

Each item donated will help provide simple necessities to local families and give West Des Moines Human Services the opportunity to direct more of their operating budget to other important services they provide to the community. Services like housing programs, travel assistance and programs for local youth.

Developed by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce in 2007, the West Des Moines Leadership Academy is an intensive, regionally-oriented leadership development program designed to give potential and emerging leaders the skills, knowledge, and ongoing support they need to succeed in the West Des Moines community. The course is designed for those who represent various business and professional sectors of the community, and for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our community while developing and refining their leadership skills.

West Des Moines Human Services has been assisting low-income, elderly, and disabled residents since 1979. We currently provide assistance to 1650 households (3920 individuals) in WDM and surrounding western suburbs. Human Services provides emergency assistance to households in need including food, clothing, transportation, emergency rent and utility assistance, subsidies for day care, and youth scholarships to eligible households.

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