Nonprofits in Iowa

A child's future&hellip;Who will help when their family cannot or will not? Y.E.S.S will but they cannot do it alone and I am happy I have been able to help them for many years (http://www.yessiowa.org/). <br><br>About 8 years ago a friend of mine was heavily involved with their Duck Derby fund raising event and other activities at Y.E.S.S. Initially I helped him with the Derby, donated goods, and some money. When I dropped off the donations I toured the facility a few times and got to know more about what Y.E.S.S does. From there, I went from helping now and then to making it my own personal cause. Not only have I had the pleasure of helping with money, food, and gifts, I recently started volunteering weekly as a Therapy Dog handler. Jager, my 178 pound Labrador Retriever/Rottweiler mix, provides the kids who participate with unconditional love and helps bring a sense of normalcy. This is a welcome distraction for children who are away from home under oftentimes scary and unpleasant circumstances.<br><br>What I like most about Y.E.S.S. is also the reason I have stuck with them over the years and the reason I plan to continue my support. They are there to help those who are not in a position to help themselves. In other words it is not just a hand-out and a pat on the back on the way out the door. They not only provide for the immediate and most pressing needs such as food and shelter -- they go further to address the root of the problem and help the child get through a difficult time in his or her life. My hope is the help provided, lessons learned, and the support received pays dividends throughout the child&rsquo;s life. <br><br>Why am I telling my story to you? I, and others like me, can only help so much. Placing first, second or third at #MyGivingStory would help Y.E.S.S do even more. <br>