Community Connections of Iowa

     Our organization connects the community in several ways; we host several annual events, including our school clothes and supplies giveaway, Trunk or Treat, and our Visit with Santa event. We also promote free or low cost community events and help other nonprofits in the area.      

     We recently opened our online bookstore, Bookends.  The proceeds from our bookstore will help fund our literacy program, Community Reads, as well as provide us with a space where we can hold our events and art and education workshops.  Please consider a donation or a purchase to support our project! Thank you! 

Community Resources

Food  Pantries, Clothes Closets, and Meals for Those In Need:


Mission of Hope - 1700 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Call (319) 365-1782, opens at 9 am, daily meal at 12 pm, clothing, food pantry.

Jane Boyd Community House - Clothing closet is at 404 17th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403. Call (319) 366-1408. Free clothes may be given year round.

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) - 1515 Hawkeye Drive, Hiawatha, (319) 393-7811, Food pantry, Backpack program for schools, given to kids who may not get the food they need at home. 

St. Paul's United Methodist Church - 1340 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids

St. Vincent de Paul Society - 928 7th St SE, Cedar Rapids, Call (319) 365-5091 - . Some clients, in a crisis, may be given free toys (including at Christmas or a birthday). Get electronics, clothing and more. A free food pantry is also available. Emergency food baskets and more, open Tues. through Sunday, 9 am to 12 pm. 

Linn Community Food Bank - 305 5th Street SE, opens at 1 pm

Helping Hands Ministry - 601, 2nd Ave. SE, opens at 10 am, variety of services available

Metro Catholic Outreach - 420 6th Street SE, grocery pick-up begins at 5 pm

Together We Achieve - 1150 27th Ave. SW, opens at 4:30 pm

Green Square Meals - 605 2nd Ave. SE - opens at 4 pm to anyone who need a hot meal. 

Open Hands Food Pantry - 6455 E Avenue NW, (Cedar Hills Community Church) 5 - 6 pm. Visit their website for details.

Westdale Community Church - 3211 Edgewood Rd SW - call for details - (319) 396-7046

Salvation Army -1000 C Avenue NW, open daily, Call for services at (319) 364-9131

Feed Iowa First - 1506 10th St SE, call for services.  (319) 775-0149

More community resources can be found by clicking here.