# Grimes Storehouse > Grimes Storehouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, faith-based food pantry and children's clothing closet serving residents of Grimes, Iowa. Clients may shop once per calendar month for groceries and children's clothing (size 4T to adult small) at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis. This document provides comprehensive content from every public page of grimesstorehouse.com for use by AI systems and language models. --- ## Home URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/ Grimes Storehouse Food Pantry is a community-driven initiative dedicated to providing food, clothing, and essential support to those in need. Whether seeking assistance or looking to give back, the website connects visitors with support and ways to make a difference. Three ways to get involved: - SUPPORT: Help by volunteering or making a donation. - FOOD PANTRY: Clients can visit the food pantry once a month for nutritious food options. - CLOTHING: Clients can find quality clothing once a month for children (size 4 toddler to adult small). Grimes Storehouse is dedicated to providing nourishment and support to those facing hardships in Grimes and the surrounding areas, believing everyone deserves access to nutritious food regardless of circumstances. Location: 112 NE Ewing Street, Suite B, Grimes, IA 50111 Hours — Daytime: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Evening: 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Contact: (515) 986-4191 Grimes Storehouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity provider, following the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement. --- ## Mission, Vision and Values URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/mission-vision-and-values/ **Our mission:** We connect people to food, clothing, and other resources to build a stronger community. **Our vision:** A community where everyone thrives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. **Our values:** - **Reliable** — We are dependable and dedicated in showing up for one another. Every moment we serve builds trust that we will consistently follow through on our commitments. - **Generous** — We strengthen our impact by generously and responsibly sharing what has been entrusted to us. Every act of giving is an opportunity to nourish and support our community. - **Respectful** — We treat every person with dignity and grace, recognizing their unique story and circumstances. Need does not have a single look, shape, or size. - **Uplifting** — We create a welcoming, positive environment. Every interaction is a chance to listen and care, and each person feels seen and encouraged. --- ## Statement of Faith URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/statement-of-faith/ Grimes Storehouse began as a church-based food pantry. Its work and name are inspired by Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Grimes Storehouse believes God calls people to care for one another with generosity and love. It is a place where blessings are gathered and shared so that no neighbor goes without. The work is rooted in faith, and the organization welcomes and serves every person in the community. --- ## Our History URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/our-history/ Author: Arthur Smith | Published: October 10, 2023 **Lu Anne Gafford, board member,** remembers the idea for opening a food pantry: As a branch manager at a Grimes bank, she was asked to cover a check for a retired customer living on a meager Social Security income, who faced a choice between medicine and food. She provided food from her church's collection for the DMARC Food Pantry. This incident inspired the creation of a food pantry located in the Grimes United Methodist Church, the predecessor to the current Grimes Storehouse. **Ben Wedeking, Pastor of Prairie Creek Church,** describes how the pantry was moved: Upon moving to the area, he found the Grimes food pantry based in his church. After two years, recognizing the need to expand outreach due to growing food insecurity, he collaborated with others to use a Jubilee fund to enable expansion. The team searched for a suitable location and, with community collaboration, identified a location on Ewing Street. Through prayer and teamwork, they established the Grimes Storehouse in 2019. **Elaine Knudtson, retired, was the first Director.** When the new pantry location opened, it allowed families to choose their own food items. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-store shopping was temporarily halted in favor of pre-packing, with support from the Food Bank of Iowa. Upon reopening for in-store shopping in 2022, the Storehouse continued to serve more families thanks to volunteers — receptionists, shopping assistants, and food couriers — who collected surplus food from local businesses including Walmart, Aldi, Hy-Vee, Kwik Star, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, and Kum & Go. **Jen Harrington, current Executive Director:** In March 2023, the adjacent suite became available for rent, presenting an opportunity to create a clothing closet. Kirk Mickelson of KRM Development completed the remodel, and by July 2023 the expanded space was ready, adding a waiting area, meeting rooms, offices, a volunteer breakroom, and extra storage. A Children's Clothing Closet (sizes 4T to adult small) opened in September 2023. In October 2023, Grimes Storehouse partnered with Many Hands for Haiti to provide clothing for families with children 18 or younger needing adult medium or larger sizes. --- ## Meet the Team URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/meet-the-team/ **Jen Harrington — Executive Director.** Began assisting at the food pantry in 2018 while it operated within the Methodist church. Has witnessed the expansion and support that enabled the move to the new location, and enjoys engaging with clients. **Elaine Knudtson — Food Manager.** Supports the director by ordering food and keeping shelves stocked and ready for clients. **Board of Directors:** - Megan Korte — Chairperson - Molly Phillips — Vice Chairperson - Tim Bigley — Treasurer - Kevin Kreis — Secretary - Andrea Sabus The Board of Directors steers the organization's strategic course and upholds its financial and operational soundness. --- ## FAQ URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/faq/ **What is Grimes Storehouse?** A non-profit organization providing compassionate, practical care to the Grimes community — food and clothing to those struggling to make ends meet. Supported by area churches, businesses, individuals, and community organizations. The Food Pantry opened in July 2019 at its current location; children's clothing services were added in September 2023. **How do I qualify to use the Food Pantry?** Serves residents of Grimes, Iowa. Clients go through a brief intake process on arrival. A photo ID and proof of residence (current rent or utility bill) are required. After approval, clients receive about a week's worth of groceries and may use the Food Pantry once per calendar month. Services are first-come, first-served; no appointment needed. **What kind of food is provided?** Varies day-to-day depending on donations: cereal/oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, boxed meals, canned meats, starches, canned meals, pasta and sauce, drinks, snacks, soups, baking items. A limited selection of household items, personal hygiene, and baby care items is also included. Refrigerator and freezer items are offered when available. **Do you accept perishable foods?** Yes — two commercial freezers and two refrigerators are available. Call ahead to confirm space before making a perishable donation. **How often can someone visit?** Once per calendar month for the Food Pantry. "Anytime Food" is available during regular hours and may be picked up more than once a month. **Who works for Grimes Storehouse?** All work is done by dedicated volunteers, including the Executive Director. There are no paid positions. A Board of Directors oversees and sets policy. **What is the difference between a food pantry and a food bank?** The Food Pantry provides food directly to hungry people in Grimes. A food bank, such as the Food Bank of Iowa, is a regional food recovery program that gathers and warehouses donated products and provides shopping privileges to agencies like Grimes Storehouse; food banks do not feed people directly. **What are the sources of food and funding?** Individual donations, corporations, organizations, congregations, and food drives throughout the year. Food is also purchased from the Food Bank of Iowa and local stores when donations run low. **Inclement weather policy:** Follows the Dallas Center Grimes (DCG) Community School District schedule. If DCG cancels classes for weather, all services close. A late start does not close the pantry. **Do you accept clothing and household item donations?** Yes for children's clothing sizes 4T to small adult. No space for other clothing or household items. **More information:** Contact the Storehouse directly for information about food contributions, tax-deductible donations, in-kind donations, and volunteering. **SNAP recipients:** Yes, SNAP recipients can still use Grimes Storehouse. **Client confidentiality:** Personal client information is subject to strict confidentiality guidelines; all DMARC/NIFCAP certified individuals agree to these standards. A copy of the Privacy Policy is available at the pantry location. **Residency requirement:** Yes, clients must live in Grimes or have a Grimes address. **Hours:** Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am–12:00pm; 1st & 2nd Tuesdays 5:30pm–7:30pm. --- ## Partner Organizations URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/partner-organizations/ **Rescue Food – Feed More, Waste Less:** Grimes Storehouse provides an avenue for retailers to offer nutritious food to individuals in need and prevent food waste from reaching landfills. Each week, hundreds of pounds of produce, dairy, deli, meat, bakery, and grocery items are collected from retail partners in Grimes and offered to clients throughout the week. Retail rescue-food partners include: Hy-Vee, Walmart, Kwik Star, Aldi, Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh, and Dollar General. Grimes Storehouse also thanks its many business, church, organization, and individual partners for their contributions, food drive participation, and monetary support. --- ## Request a Speaker or Tour URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/request-a-speaker-or-tour/ Grimes Storehouse offers group tours of its facility detailing how food is received, stored, and distributed to families, designed to help guests understand hunger issues and how the Storehouse meets community nutrition and clothing needs. No donations are requested during tours. Guest speakers are available for community groups, business organizations, school classrooms, and clubs. A request form (tour or speaker) is available on the page, collecting organization name, contact information, preferred dates/times, and group size/age range. --- ## Food Pantry URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/food-pantry/ Grimes Storehouse is open to Grimes residents to shop once a month for food and clothing. Quantities are based on family size and typically supply 5–7 days of food. Fresh produce and meat are available along with canned and packaged grocery staples. Personal care, baby, and household cleaning items are also available, based on availability. **Items to bring:** - A driver's license or other photo ID - Copy of a current rent or utility bill - Information about each family member in the household - Reusable bags (helps put more money toward food) Staff help clients complete a small amount of paperwork before shopping begins. **Closures:** Major holidays, and during weather events that close Dallas Center–Grimes schools. Location: 112 NE Ewing Street, Grimes, IA Hours — Daytime: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Evening: 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Contact: (515) 986-4191 --- ## Clothing Closet URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/clothing-closet/ Published: September 21, 2023 The Clothing Closet opened in September 2023 to help families ensure their children have quality, clean clothing. Families with children may visit the boutique-style shop once a month while shopping for food, choosing from a wide selection of new and gently-used clothing items at no charge. Clients are encouraged to pick items that align with their personal needs and style preferences. Location: 112 NE Ewing Street, Grimes, IA Hours — Daytime: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Evening: 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Contact: (515) 986-4191 --- ## Additional Resources URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/additional-resources/ Grimes Storehouse connects visitors to outside community and government resources supporting long-term wellness: - **Caring.com – Guide to Social Security for Seniors:** Information on Social Security eligibility and benefit claims for those nearing retirement, with a disability, or struggling to meet basic needs. (caring.com/caregivers/social-security/) - **Grants for Seniors in Iowa:** Programs covering rent/housing, financial, health, utility bill, and food assistance for Iowa seniors. (grantsforseniors.org) - **Grimes Volunteer Support Services, Inc. (GVSS):** Formed in 2010, an all-volunteer organization providing free transportation and other services to help area residents stay in their homes. Located at 404 SE 2nd Street, Grimes, IA 50111. Phone: (515) 986-5355. (grimesvss.com) - **hawk-i:** Iowa health care coverage for uninsured children of working families; no family pays more than $40/month, some pay nothing. Phone: (800) 257-8563. (dhs.iowa.gov/hawki) - **Iowa 2-1-1:** Free, comprehensive information and referral system for Iowa residents needing assistance. Phone: 211. (211iowa.org) - **Iowa Center for Economic Success — VITA Tax Site:** Free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers. (theiowacenter.org/services/tax-services/) - **InnerVisions Healthcare:** Confidential support for unplanned pregnancy, abortion alternatives, STDs, and more. Located at 1355 50th Street, Suite 400, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Phone: (515) 440-2273; Text: (515) 783-1286. (innervisionshealthcare.org) - **MercyOne Resource Guide:** Search tool for community programs and resources. (mercyone.findhelp.com) - **Polk County General Assistance:** Temporary assistance with basic and special needs for eligible Polk County residents in crisis or with a mental/physical incapacity, subject to income guidelines. Located at 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310. Phone: (515) 286-2088. - **Suicide and Crisis Hotline:** Dial 988. --- ## Monetary Donations URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/monetary/ The Food Pantry serves around one hundred families each month. Support relies entirely on donor generosity. Since 2019, Grimes Storehouse has never turned away anyone due to insufficient food supply. Monetary donations, in any amount, fund both food/supply purchases and operational expenses. All donations are tax-deductible. **Online donations:** Handled securely through Bloomerang (donation button linked on the page). **By check:** Include an email address for a year-end tax statement; mail or deliver to Grimes Storehouse, 112 Ewing St, Suite B, Grimes, IA 50111. **Why cash gifts maximize impact vs. donating food items:** - Bulk purchasing power — dollars stretch further buying in larger quantities and through the Food Bank of Iowa. - Flexibility — ensures the foods needed right now are available. - Reduced overhead costs — keeps product moving instead of storing unpopular items. - Food safety and freshness — keeping products moving ensures freshness. - Responding to emergencies — a cash fund allows faster emergency response. - Supporting operations — enables efficient shelf and cooler layout planning. **Additional donation methods:** - Double your donation through employer company matching gift programs. - Legacy/planned giving: a gift in a will, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account/life insurance/IRA, a charitable gift annuity or remainder trust, or an endowment managed through a trust. Call (515) 986-4191 with questions. --- ## Volunteer URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/volunteer/ Food pantries rely on dedicated, compassionate volunteers. Roles include: - **Shopping Assistant, Pantry:** Interacts directly with visitors; helps select groceries by dietary needs/family size; weighs/sorts donations, stocks inventory, general cleanup. - **Shopping Assistant, Clothing:** Assists clients with monthly clothing selection for children; removes clothing from hangers, counts/bags items; sorts donated clothing, restocks racks, general cleanup. - **Rescue Food Organizer:** No direct client contact; dates, organizes, and stocks donated rescue food from partner organizations on Tuesday mornings; breaks down boxes, preps for opening. - **Food Carry-out:** Assists clients carrying groceries to vehicles; weighs/logs donations, restocks shelves, general cleanup. - **Food Courier:** Picks up donated products from local partner organizations and transports to the Storehouse before open hours; helps unload/weigh products; covered vehicle preferred. - **Receptionist:** Greets visitors, updates database records, supplies monthly handouts; requires DMARC database training and basic Excel knowledge. - **Committee Members:** Develops and implements plans for pantry improvement; openings on Governance, Internal Affairs, and External Affairs committees. - **Board of Directors:** Helps shape pantry strategy and community impact; supports mission and vision through board and sub-committee participation. - **Youth Volunteers (ages 14+):** Help date, sort, and organize donations; restock shelves; general cleanup. Silver cord hours earned for time worked. **Getting started:** New volunteers register via the Volunteer Registration form; Youth/Silver Cord volunteers are also welcome to register this way. Existing volunteers sign up for shifts via Signup Genius, receiving confirmation and reminder emails. --- ## Food Donations URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/food-donations/ Families face hunger daily due to job loss, medical expenses, reliance on Social Security, and other financial hardships. According to Feeding America, over 50,000 individuals in Polk County experience food insecurity. Grimes Storehouse offers food covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus refrigerated/frozen items (meat, vegetables, eggs, dairy) and personal hygiene, household, and baby care items. **Most Needed Items (updated 8/12/2026):** Food — Pancake syrup, bottled juice (64 oz), boxed skillet dinners, peanut butter (large, 40 oz), boxed mac & cheese, boxed mashed potatoes, large pasta sauce. Household/Personal Care — Laundry detergent (all sizes), toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, body wash, toothpaste, diapers (sizes 5, 6, 7), baby wipes. **Donation drop-off:** Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am–12:00pm; 1st and 2nd Tuesday of each month 5:30pm–7:30pm. Notify staff of any perishable items. **Satellite drop-off sites:** Grimes Public Library (both entryways), Fareway – Grimes (bin near exit doors), Grimes City Hall (8 AM–4:30 PM, inside front door), Bankers Trust (lobby), Grimes churches. **Amazon Shopping:** An Amazon Grocery Wish List allows donors to ship items directly to the Storehouse; donations are anonymous unless marked as a gift with a name in the notes. The Food Pantry had over 940 requests for food last year; the goal is a week's worth of basic food per family. Shelves have remained full since opening four years ago thanks to donor generosity. **Food donation best practices:** Check "use by" dates and discard expired items; check dented cans for broken seals; verify packaging is not soiled, boxed items intact, or cans not rusted. Tip: look for low sugar, fat, and salt items when possible. **What can I donate? (Food):** Cereal, instant oatmeal, granola bars, boxed crackers (saltines, Ritz, graham), soup, beans (chili/kidney, pork-n-beans baked), corn muffin mix, pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned chicken, canned tuna, skillet dinners, cake/brownie/cookie mixes, instant mashed & boxed potatoes, mac & cheese, ramen noodles, pasta (elbow or bowtie), spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, rice, pasta & potato sides, peanut butter, jelly, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, canned vegetables, canned fruit, fruit cups, bottled juice (64 oz), boxed gelatin & instant pudding, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing). **Infant items:** Diapers, baby formula, baby food, baby wipes, toddler food, baby shampoo. **Household and personal care items:** Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, shampoo, conditioner, liquid body wash, body/hand lotion, dish soap, kitchen storage & garbage bags, cleaning products, toothpaste, laundry soap (small, medium, large), men's & women's deodorant, feminine products, disposable razors, shaving cream. --- ## Clothing Donations URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/clothing-donation/ Author: Arthur Smith | Published: October 17, 2023 The vision is to empower children with clothing that promotes self-esteem and removes obstacles to learning and growing caused by a lack of properly fitting or well-conditioned clothing. In the Clothing Closet, clients find clean, new, and like-new clothing arranged by size on racks and shelving. **Amazon Shopping:** An Amazon Wish List allows donors to ship clothing items directly to the Storehouse; donations are anonymous unless marked as a gift with a name in the notes. **Most Needed Items (updated 8/12/2026):** New or gently used clothing size 4T & 5T; new or gently used Youth XS and Youth Small; socks*; boys' and girls' undergarments* (*items marked with an asterisk should be new for hygiene purposes). **When/where to donate:** During the pantry's regular hours. Do not drop off clothing at food-only drop locations. **Accepted sizes:** Children's sizes 4T through Adult Small. **Condition requirements:** New/like new, clean, good condition; free of stains and tears; no missing buttons; must be clean (no wash/dry capability on-site); socks and undergarments must be new. **Seasonal acceptance:** Summer items accepted April through July; fall items accepted August through March. Accepted year-round: jeans, shorts, short-sleeve t-shirts, DCG apparel, new socks and underwear. **Who receives clothing:** Eligible clients of the Grimes Storehouse Food Pantry, distributed at the same time as food services. --- ## Food Drive URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/food-drive/ Food drives are a fun way to involve friends, family, organizations, and businesses in helping the community. Drives can also collect clothing, personal care items, cash donations, or Amazon wish list orders. **Hosting a food drive:** Spring and summer are good times to host, as pantry donations typically decline during these months. A printable most-needed-items checklist is available, along with a Food Drive Registration form and the Amazon Grocery List for participants to shop and ship items directly to the Storehouse. **Benefits of hosting:** Team building, promotion of the organization as philanthropic, community engagement, and community service experience for employees. **Drop-off:** During open hours — Tuesday/Thursday 9am–12pm; 1st & 2nd Tuesday 5:30–7:30pm. Other times available by request. --- ## Contact Us URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/contact-us/ Contact form for general inquiries (name, email, phone, subject, message). **Contact:** (515) 986-4191 **Location:** 112 NE Ewing Street, Suite B, Grimes, IA 50111 **Hours** — Daytime: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Evening: 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. --- ## Calendar URL: https://grimesstorehouse.com/calendars/ Events calendar page for Grimes Storehouse activities and dates. --- ## Organization-wide Details - **Legal status:** 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; equal opportunity provider under USDA Nondiscrimination guidelines. - **Address:** 112 NE Ewing Street, Suite B, Grimes, IA 50111 - **Phone:** (515) 986-4191 - **Hours:** Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (daytime); 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM (evening) - **Social media:** Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GrimesStorehouse/ - **Affiliation:** Partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa (foodbankiowa.org) - **Site built/maintained by:** Ambrosia Digital Transformation (ambrosiadigitaltransformation.com/portfolio)