Des Moines Moms Blog regularly highlights local nonprofits. There are so many amazing organizations in our city dedicated to looking out for the well being of all who live here. We want to feature them and share ways you and your family can partner with them through volunteering, giving donations, and attending amazing fundraising events. If you know of a nonprofit we should feature, please email [email protected].
Children’s Cancer Connection
Children’s Cancer Connection has been serving families affected by childhood cancer for over 30 years. What makes them unique is that they serve the entire family throughout their entire journey. They offer programs in hospital-and clinic-based settings, support services and family outings, and camps and retreats. All of their programs are focused on encouraging relationships and strengthening community.
Mission Statement
Connect families affected by childhood cancer by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community.
Get Involved with Children’s Cancer Connection
Children’s Cancer Connection supports the entire family through the entire journey by providing services at little-to-no cost for individuals and families. Because of this, more than 40,000 volunteer hours per year are required to provide the programs and services.
There are opportunities for volunteers to assist with many house programs, help during camp sessions or events such as bike rides, volleyball tournaments, bar crawls and runs!
To learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities Children’s Cancer Connection has to offer, visit their website.
Ways to Give
Children’s Cancer Connection offers most programs at no cost to families. While the programs are free to families, they are not free for the organization.
People can donate items for the Courage Store (a hospital program that allows patients to earn “Bravery Bucks” during the parts of treatment that aren’t so fun. These “bucks” can then be redeemed for toys, gift cards and other fun items).
Individuals can donate their time to help at programs and events.
Of course, monetary donations are welcomed and support the many programs Children’s Cancer Connection has either through individual donations or hosting a Fundraising by Friends event. A monthly giving program is a simple way to donate a smaller dollar amount throughout the year and provides a steady stream of funding for the organization.
Camping the Night Way Des Moines
When: Thursday, February 20, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The River Center, Des Moines
This event helps support camp programs for families affected by childhood cancer. Each summer Children’s Cancer Connection provides two week-long summer camps; one for Oncology kids ages 5-18 who are on or off treatment and the second identical week for their siblings.
At camp children are able to participate in any activity they choose from zip-lining to horseback riding, creek stomping to arts and crafts. They make lifelong memories and friends who understand truly what they’re going through.
Each child, around 480 in 2019, went 100% free of charge… a savings to the family of $400 per camper. Events like Camping the Night Away help keep camp free for attendees. In addition to the week-long camps, there are two weekend-long Family Camps and two week-long day camps.
Learn more about Camping the Night Away
Get your tickets or purchase a table here.
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Don’t worry, Camping the Night Away doesn’t involve any actual camping! This event is a fun night at the River Center in Des Moines filled with delicious food, drinks, games, auctions and more. All proceeds will benefit camp programming for families affected by childhood cancer, so you can have a great time and know you’re helping a great cause!
– Christina McCleary, Events Manager & Development Coordinator for Children’s Cancer Connection
