Final push for CAAP shoe drive through Thursday
WATERLOO — Got some good-quality shoes that you no longer need or want? The Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP) will take them. CAAP has until Thursday to complete its “shoe drive,” which is a form of fundraising catching on because it is low- to no-pressure and also helps micro-business entrepreneurs in developing countries. CAAP seeks to collect another 300 shoes to reach its goal of 100 bags (25 pairs of shoes per bag) that it’s been working toward the last two months. Nonprofits that collect shoes and turn them into Funds2Orgs receive a check based on the bags’ weight; the shoes are transported to micro-business owners overseas to sell. To arrange your shoe donation, visit CAAP at is headquarters at 526 Wilshire Ave.; email CAAP at caapbenefit@gmail.com; or reach them through Messenger.
Apartheid-Free talk series on Wednesdays
DES MOINES — Feeling the need to talk about justice and solidarity in the context of what’s happening in the Israel-Palestine conflict? Downtown Disciples: Progressive Faith Community provides that opportunity every Wednesday at its “Embodying Being Apartheid-Free” series. The weekly talks cover “A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide,” a document by the Palestinian Christian Ecumenical Initiative that calls for international “creative resistance” in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Downtown Disciples has also taken the Apartheid-Free Pledge, created by North American faith groups in 2022 to support Palestinian people in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The gathering is 6 p.m. at Downtown Disciples, 525 S.W. 5th St., Ste. D.
Assault survivor nonprofit needs donations
SPENCER — Slashed state funding and increased need among domestic violence survivors has central Iowa’s Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA) calling out for urgent financial and food donations. CAASA, founded 40 years ago, serves 19 central Iowa counties with confidential abuse and sexual assault counseling, support groups, emergency support during crises, advocacy and education. CAASA also offers a 24-hour crisis support Hope Line at 1-877-362-4612. The nonprofit told the Storm Lake Times-Pilot that a $95,000 cut in state funding has endangered the nonprofit’s future. In addtion, CAASA posted, its food pantry needs restocking. Drop food donations to any of CAASA’s offices in Carroll, LeMars, Sioux City, Spencer or Storm Lake (see addresses here). You can donate to CAASA here. Lastly, you can volunteer to help with dispatch, community outreach, office work and more by signing up here.
