Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
We’ve compiled a list of questions most frequently asked at Waukee Area Christian Services. Select one of the questions below to find the answer. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, Contact Us for more information.
What is Waukee Area Christian Services?
Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) is a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate, practical care to the greater Dallas County area, offering food, clothing, one-on-one support and medical assistance to those struggling to make ends meet. Supported by area churches, businesses and community organizations, WACS includes a food pantry, clothing closet, free medical clinic and community garden. The Food Pantry opened in 2005, followed by the Free Clinic in 2009, the Community Garden harvested its first crop in 2010 and the Clothing Closet served its first client in April 2022.
How Do I Qualify to Use the Food Pantry?
The Food Pantry serves residents in Dallas County. Upon arrival clients go through a brief intake process. A photo ID and proof of residence (copy of the most current rent or utility bill) are required. After approval, clients receive about a week’s worth of groceries and are allowed to use the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet once per calendar month. All services are on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is needed.
What Kind of Food is Provided at the Food Pantry?
The selection can vary from day-to-day depending on donations. The groceries are divided into categories such as cereal/oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, boxed meals, canned meats, starches (boxed potato and rice), canned meals, pasta and pasta sauce, drinks, snack, soups, and baking items. The pantry also includes a limited selection of non-food items including household items, personal hygiene, and baby care items. When available, refrigerator and freezer items are also offered. During the summer months, the Community Garden provides a great selection of fresh produce.
Do You Accept Perishable Foods?
Yes. We are blessed with several freezers and refrigerators for storage. However, before making your perishable donation, please call ahead to confirm space availability for your donation.
How Often Can Someone Visit Waukee Area Christian Services?
Clients may visit the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet once per calendar month.
Our Anytime Food Room is stocked with rescued food and is available to anyone, once a day, during regular food pantry hours.
Anyone can visit our Free Medical Clinic as often as is needed.
How Do I Qualify to Use the Free Medical Clinic?
The Free Medical Clinic has no geographic boundaries and serves anyone. There are no restrictions on who can use the clinic. All patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
What Services Are Available at the Free Medical Clinic?
The Free Medical Clinic offers a variety of care including:
- Illness and minor injury care
- Well-child exams
- Sports and school physicals
- Employment physicals
- Chronic disease management
- Diabetes – glucose testing
- Patient assistance program enrollment
Who Works for Waukee Area Christian Services?
The majority of Waukee Area Christian Services’ work is done by an active team of dedicated volunteers. WACS staffs 1 full-time and 6 part-time people. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees and sets policies for the organization.
What is the Difference Between the Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry and a Food Bank?
The Food Pantry provides food directly to hungry people in Dallas County. A food bank, such as the Food Bank of Iowa, is a regional food recovery program which gathers and warehouses products donated by the food industry. Food banks usually serve an entire region, and provide shopping privileges to emergency food programs like ours and other nonprofit agencies. Food banks do not feed hungry people directly, but rather distribute food via other agencies such as Waukee Area Christian Services, soup kitchens and shelters.
What Are the Sources of Waukee Area Christian Services Food and Funding?
Individual donations, corporations, organizations, congregations, and various food drives throughout the year.
Inclement Weather?
WACS adheres to the Waukee Community School District schedule. If Waukee has canceled classes or has an early out due to inclement weather, then all services will be closed.
If the school district implements a late start on Wednesday or Thursday, the food pantry will open at 12 p.m.
What Other Programs are Available at Waukee Area Christian Services?
The Free Medical Clinic partners with the Waukee Community School District in an annual Back-to-School Family Resource Fair. WACS offers several seasonal programs.
Do You Accept Donations of Clothing and Household Items?
We accept new and like-new donations of clothing in sizes 4T through Adult for students to wear. We do not accept household items. Please consider Many Hands Thrift for these types of donations.
How Do I Get More Information About Waukee Area Christian Services?
For more information about WACS, and how you, your business or organization can help with food contributions, tax-deductible donations, in-kind donations, and volunteer opportunities, please contact WACS.
