Charity
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is dedicated to providing community events that encourage active participation in maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. As an organization we support a variety of charitable programs in through cash, in-kind product and sponsor donations.
By participating as an athlete in the IMT Des Moines Marathon you are supporting many of these causes and we thank you. You also have a direct opportunity to provide additional support through building campaign awareness and/or fundraising for a charity of your choice by running or walking on race day on behalf of one of our Athlete Programs. Either way, we welcome your efforts to making the Des Moines community a better place to live and grow.
Featured Charity
 Shoes That Fit
Shoes That Fit provides new shoes to children in need so that they can attend school in comfort and with dignity. The national Shoes That Fit organization accomplishes this objective by matching a sponsoring group with schools near them that have children in need. The sponsor determines how many children they can help and the school identifies and measures students with materials Shoes That Fit can provide. The sponsor purchases the exact items the children in need require and delivers the items to their school. Every penny spent goes directly to the child.
On Media / Mediacom is a local sponsor of Shoes That Fit and has provided shoes and clothing to more than 28,800 children since they started sponsoring the program in central Iowa.
Your donation to the On Media / Mediacom - Shoes That Fit program will go directly towards fulfilling the need of children in the Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown and Ames Public School Districts. 
Click here to donate online.
Watch for additional opportunities to fundraise or make donations at Scheels at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines and at the IMT Des Moines Marathon Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sports & Fitness Expo.
Service Providers
DMARC
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is an inter-faith organization that strives to meet basic human needs in the Greater Des Moines community. They have nearly 150 member congregations from nine faith traditions all working to achieve common goals and has been making an impact in Greater Des Moines for more than 50 years.
The DMARC Emergency Food Pantry program provides a five-day supply of food at no cost to anyone in need as often as once per month. The Compassion in Action program offers emergency rent and utility assistance. Their Childcare program subsidizes the cost of childcare for low-income families enabling them to get ahead and Project Connect pairs qualified mentors with at-risk students in the Des Moines Public School system.
YMCA 
Founded in 1868, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines has been a constant in the changing horizon of the Des Moines area. Central Iowa has embraced the YMCA because we pride ourselves on our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is a dynamic organization led by over 220 outstanding community volunteers serving on our boards and by a dedicated staff of over 1,000 individuals. Our programs build character and assets in kids, strengthen family relationships and promote healthy lifestyles.
Everybody Wins! Iowa
 Everybody Wins! Iowa is a literacy and mentoring non-profit organization that increases children's opportunities for success in school through reading and mentoring experiences with caring volunteers.
Through "Power Lunch", Everybody Wins! Iowa's signature program, volunteer reading mentors visit their student for one lunch hour each week. The students and volunteers spend their time talking, reading aloud one-to-one, and instilling positive attitudes about reading. Volunteers also serve as role models to enhance students' self-esteem and encourage their success through these consistent weekly positive interactions.
Everybody Wins! Iowa started in 2002 by serving three schools and 15 students. Currently the organization serves more than 400 students in 13 central Iowa elementary schools.
Become a volunteer today! Everybody Wins! Iowa was featured on WHO-TV.
 Iowa Homeless Youth Center
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC) works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young mothers in Polk County. They believe, with support and assistance, homeless individuals and families can live independently and attain self-sufficiency.
IHYC offers a variety of programs and facilities that will teach homeless youth to live independently and become self-sufficient. The youth we serve are non-system involved, meaning that they are not placed or directly supported by a governmental payment agency. IHYC is often a last resort for older runaway and homeless youth who have exhausted community resources, family and friends.
Kiwanis Miracle League
The Kiwanis Miracle League is for all children between the ages of 5 and 18 with a special need that does not allow them to play in a mainstream baseball league. Located at 529 SW 5th Street, across from Principal Park in downtown Des Moines, the field is custom designed with a cushioned rubberized surface that prevents injuries yet is totally accessible for children in wheelchairs and walkers.
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Des Moines, this is the first such field in Iowa. Spring and fall leagues are offered. Each child is assigned to a team named for National and American League baseball teams. Leagues are non-competitive and co-ed. Games are typically two innings—every child bats, every child scores, and each game ends in a tie! Volunteer “buddies” assist players on the field. Registration forms for players and buddies are available at the Kiwanis Miracle League website.
Every child deserves to play baseball and the Miracle League is making that happen in Central Iowa.
Medals4Mettle
 Medals4Mettle (M4M) is a non-profit organization founded in 2005. It facilitates the gifting of marathon, half marathon and triathlon finishers’ medals from runners to children and adults dealing with chronic or debilitating illnesses and have demonstrated similar mettle, or courage in bravely facing these challenges.
Marathon runners around the world, and other distance runners who have won medals, give their medals to Medals4Mettle. Then our nationwide network of physicians and volunteers awards these medals (with a Medals4Mettle ribbon attached) to those who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own to continue to live their life. Learn how you can donate your medals today!
Donate your medals locally at Fitness Sports or at the IMT Des Moines Marathon office. Your medals will be used in the Medals4Mettle program at Blank Children's Hospital.
   
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