Connecting the community, any way we can
We know that it getting more expensive to live. This only adds to the stress that parents feel, which can't help but affect their children.
Community Connections of Iowa believes that helping to ease that stress, as well as spreading positive vibes, can lower that stress for parents and create a better quality of life for their family units.
Our organization does this in several ways; we hold an annual school clothes and supplies giveaway and other events, we promote free events and community resources on on our website, and we help other nonprofits in our community by volunteering and advocating for those in need.
We are about to take the next big step by leasing our own space, so we can hold even more events for kids and their parents. Our bookstore will feature (you guessed it!) books, handmade and gift items, coffee and other drinks, and pastries. All proceeds will help us offer even more events to the community and allow us to help the community in other ways.
Community Resources
Food Pantries, Clothes Closets, and Meals for Those In Need:
Mission of Hope - 1700 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Call (319) 365-1782, opens at 9 am, daily meal at 12 pm, clothing, food pantry.
Jane Boyd Community House - Clothing closet is at 404 17th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403. Call (319) 366-1408. Free clothes may be given year round.
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) - 1515 Hawkeye Drive, Hiawatha, (319) 393-7811, Food pantry, Backpack program for schools, given to kids who may not get the food they need at home.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church - 1340 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
St. Vincent de Paul Society - 928 7th St SE, Cedar Rapids, Call (319) 365-5091 - . Some clients, in a crisis, may be given free toys (including at Christmas or a birthday). Get electronics, clothing and more. A free food pantry is also available. Emergency food baskets and more, open Tues. through Sunday, 9 am to 12 pm. For details click here.
Linn Community Food Bank, 305 5th Street SE, opens at 1 pm
Helping Hands Ministry, 601, 2nd Ave. SE, opens at 10 am, variety of services available
Metro Catholic Outreach, 420 6th Street SE, grocery pick-up begins at 5 pm
Together We Achieve, 1150 27th Ave. SW, opens at 4:30 pm
Green Square Meals opens at 4 pm to anyone who need a hot meal. Green Square meals is located at 605 2nd Avenue SE. Visit their website for details.
Open Hands Food Pantry, 6455 E Avenue NW, (Cedar Hills Community Church) 5 - 6 pm. Visit their website for details.
Westdale Community Church, 3211 Edgewood Rd SW - call for details - (319) 396-7046
Salvation Army, 1000 C Avenue NW, open daily, Call for services at (319) 364-9131
Feed Iowa First, 1506 10th St SE, call for services. (319) 775-0149