Human Services Wrap UP (2006)

As usual, Human Services found themselves busier than ever in 2006. Fortunately, they had over 70 volunteers helping them out! Those volunteers were recognized at a luncheon on April 20 for putting in over 11,000 hours in 2006. They estimate the dollar worth of those volunteer hours to be nearly $160,000. Every year our residents get more generous with their time, ideas, and assistance.

Human Services served 1, 963 households last year and gave out 3, 242 food pantry orders. They assisted 8,094 individuals through the clothing closet. Annual donations totaled $499,000, a 10% increased over 2005 and 20% increased over 2004. Almost 2000 households in West Des Moines and the Western suburbs were better off last year thanks to this department, the donations they receive, and the volunteers who help their operations continue running smoothly. That is a real accomplishment.