There are 12 days of Christmas and four weeks of Advent, but there are 3,750 ways to help Hope Ministries this season. Hope Ministries is a Christ-centered, faith-based ministry that provides programs and services for homeless, hungry, and hurting people in Des Moines and central Iowa.

Hope Ministries by the numbers:

1,800
The number of meals that will be served on Christmas day. The Hope Cafe at Bethel Mission serves 300-400 people, and 1,500 meals are delivered to families around Des Moines.

You can help serve thousands of people on Christmas day by donating pre-cooked ham, green bean casserole, gallons of 2% milk, eggs, pies or other desserts, and dinner rolls. All donations need to be dropped off Christmas Eve at the Hope Cafe, 1310 6th Ave. Call (515) 265-7272 to register to bring food. Meals are served at the Bethel Mission and delivered around the Des Moines area to families in need.

1,500
The number of presents distributed on Christmas to children of the families living at the shelter and the families who attend the meal.

300
The number of gift boxes for guests at Bethel Mission’s shelter.

Gift boxes consist of non-perishable food items such as beef stew and personal hygiene products such as body wash. For a complete list of items to fill a banker’s box, go to http://www.hopeiowa.org/events/holidays.php#Anchor-Adopt-a-Family-3800. The estimated cost to fill one is $50.

150
The number of volunteers needed to make the Christmas celebration possible. Volunteers help serve and deliver meals to families. A group of volunteers pray throughout the morning for all of the people who come to the dinner.

If you would want to donate your time, food, or gifts, contact Hope Ministries at (515) 265-7272.