Winter holidays can sneak up with a mix of stress, joy, and a whole lot of emotional noise, especially in recovery. You might feel triggered, overwhelmed, or lost and alienated when everyone else seems hellbent on spreading holiday cheer. That’s why giving back could feel like such a relief right now. Helping others often gives you something positive to focus on when your own world slips into subzero temperatures.
St. Gregory gives back year-round through recovery services, and you play a big part in that ripple effect, too. When you go out of your way to be kind to your community, you might even feel a sense of calm and purpose that uplifts your recovery.
Let’s walk through the science behind giving back, local ways to get involved, and how St. Gregory supports Iowa communities through its programs.
The Science Behind Giving Back
Volunteering may seem simple, but research suggests it could create meaningful shifts in your mood, thinking, and even long-term habits. An umbrella review on volunteering and health points to potential improvements in mental well-being, motivation, and even lifespan, which could make a huge difference as you build a substance-free life.
The study also indicates that people who volunteer may feel more confident and engaged in their daily routine, which could make or break a season ripe with emotional triggers. And while the positive effects of giving back vary from person to person, many still describe feeling lighter after volunteering.
Another piece of the puzzle comes from the Mayo Clinic, which highlights how volunteering can support your body, too. When you stay moving, interacting with people, and appreciating what you do have, your stress levels may fall as your motivation to be the best version of yourself grows.
Ideas for Giving Back in Des Moines
If you want to brighten someone’s holiday and boost your own spirit at the same time, Des Moines has so many great places to start. Think of this as a holiday adventure list, where you select activities you actually see yourself genuinely enjoying. Whether you love kids, families, seniors, animals, or people navigating tough transitions, there’s a spot that fits your heart.
If You Love Supporting Families
- Anawim Housing offers ways to help people find stability, and you can explore their holiday opportunities on their social pages.
- Orchard Place invites you to sponsor a child by shopping for a few items from their wish list and delivering them.
- Single Parent Provision also hosts an annual Christmas dinner for moms and their kids, and they welcome donations and volunteers eager to help.
- West Des Moines Human Services runs adopt-a-family programs and grocery card donations that make a huge difference for struggling households.
- Children and Families of Iowa hosts toy drives and holiday shops that bring joy to parents and kids who need it most.
If Helping Teens Or Young Adults Speaks To You
The Iowa Homeless Youth Center welcomes volunteers who want to donate meals, create care packages, or adopt a youth or family during the holidays.
If You Care Deeply About Childhood Cancer Support
Children’s Cancer Connection offers Winter Wishes, where you can donate gift cards or shop and wrap holiday gifts for families walking through incredibly hard chapters.
If Your Heart Melts For Animals
Groups like AHeinz57, Animal Lifeline of Iowa, the Animal Rescue League, Furry Friends Refuge, and Hope Animal Rescue often run supply drives and adopt-a-pet programs.
If You Love Community-Wide Involvement
- UCAN’s Holiday Helping Hands offers ways to support seniors, teens, and families through baskets, gift drives, and seasonal outreach.
- Central Iowa Shelter and Services also has many areas of need, including meal support and shelter help.
- Hope Ministries also prepares and delivers holiday meals all over the Des Moines area.
- DMARC gives you the chance to help stock food pantries, deliver meals, or support hunger-relief work during one of the toughest seasons of the year.
- Star 102.5 also supports the Food Bank of Iowa through its Combat Hunger program.
How St. Gregory Gives Back to Iowa
St. Gregory supports Iowa communities by helping clients rebuild their lives and strengthen their relationships, especially during the holidays.
Here’s how each service might make this winter feel more manageable and meaningful for you and your loved ones.
Residential Treatment in Bayard
Residential treatment offers a warm, structured place with around-the-clock support, daily therapy, and holistic activities that help steady your mind and body.
Outpatient Treatment in Des Moines
Outpatient treatment gives you flexible support through therapy groups, practicing new coping skills, and staying connected to your recovery team without ever detaching from your home life.
Family Program
The family program helps everyone under your roof slow down and reconnect during a season that can stretch patience (and relationships) to the breaking point. You and your loved ones will learn healthier communication tactics and emotional dynamics.
Accept the Gift of Recovery This Holiday Season
As winter settles in, giving back could help you feel more hopeful. You might not be ready to start treatment this season, and that’s okay, because there are still meaningful ways to build community and create moments of joy. Contact us today to learn more.
