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Monday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa

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Des Moines, IA
Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa

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Helping children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, & living with special needs Mobility – Every child deserves to be independent.

Variety works with our donors and supporters to fund and deliver effective programs and provide grants to support our mission. Variety’s initiatives focus on five programs:

Grant Program – Variety provides funding to children’s nonprofits annually for tangible items such as: building expansions and renovations, equipment, programming needs, and more. Variety provides custom specialized bikes and mobility equipment to children with special needs and awards brand new traditional bikes, locks, and helmets to children who have never experienced the joy of owning their own bike. Variety Vans – Over the last 40 years, more than 400 Variety Vans have been provided to children’s organizations in Iowa. These vans transport children to doctors' appointments, therapy sessions, and special outings or activities. Variety Star Playgrounds – All children should have the opportunity to experience a playground! Variety works with Iowa communities to provide all-inclusive playgrounds for children with and without special needs. The Compassion Fund – Variety partners with Iowa hospitals to help critically ill children and their families by providing comfort, care, and fulfilling immediate needs. The Fund is designed to help alleviate the stress and financial burden a family faces while their child is hospitalized.

11/03/2026

Thanks to Variety’s mobility program, Everlee received a new Convaid medical stroller designed to provide the comfort and support she needs!

Everlee has a rare genetic condition that affects her balance and coordination. Her family has two children with the condition who both need mobility support, making travel and family outings challenging as they grow.

Her new stroller provides better trunk support, is easier for caregivers to push, and folds compactly for travel. This gift will help Everlee continue participating in school activities, family outings, and everyday adventures.

We’re grateful to help make life a little easier for Everlee and her family!

11/02/2026

A little Halloween fun and a BIG reason to celebrate! 🎃

Conmigo had even more to celebrate at their Trunk or Treat this year with the arrival of their brand-new 2025 van, made possible through Variety’s Van Program!

The new van will replace their well-loved 1996 Variety sunshine coach, providing safer, more reliable transportation for field trips, swimming lessons, visits to parks and other educational outings throughout the year.

We’re so grateful for our partnership with Conmigo and love seeing this new set of wheels hit the road. Here's to many more adventures ahead!

10/30/2026

We are excited to partner with locally owned Carapella & Co. Customs for our new Variety merch store! 🎉 Shop a collection of Variety gear and show your support for a mission that helps children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.

Shop the collection: https://www.carapellaandco.com/collections/variety-the-childrens-charity?page=1

10/29/2026

A big thank you to Forvis Mazars US for their generous $5,000 gift to Variety!

Your support helps us provide life-changing equipment and opportunities for children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.

We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to making a difference for Iowa kids and their families!

10/28/2026

For nine-year-old Melissa, family outings are about making memories and enjoying the activities they love together.

An adaptive stroller will help Melissa travel safely in the community, provide added support during outings, and make transportation easier for her family. Most importantly, it will give her family greater peace of mind and more opportunities to enjoy everyday adventures together, safely and comfortably.

10/27/2026

When 18-month-old Matthew was diagnosed with AML leukemia shortly after his family moved to Iowa, the Tarasenkov family faced overwhelming emotional and financial challenges.

Through the Variety Compassion Fund, they received help with temporary lodging, allowing them to stay together when they needed it most.

Tune in to WHO Radio in Central Iowa and 104-5 KDAT in Eastern Iowa on December 8 & 9 for Variety’s Two Days of Compassion Radiothon and help more Iowa families find hope during difficult times.

Read their story: https://varietyiowa.com/impact-stories/finding-hope-far-from-home-the-tarasenkov-familys-story

10/26/2026

A bike ride with her sibling can mean so much more than a little time outdoors!

With her new Rifton adaptive tricycle, Sara can join in on those everyday moments while building strength, coordination, and confidence along the way.

At six years old, Sara is working on important skills through occupational and speech therapy. Having a bike that fits her needs gives her the opportunity to practice those skills in a way that feels like play, right alongside her family and peers.

We’re thrilled Sara has a new way to explore, stay active, and make memories with the people she loves. Thank you to everyone who helps make these opportunities possible through Variety!

10/24/2026

We’re excited to see the YWCA Quad Cities' new van in action! Made possible through Variety grant funding, this van will help remove transportation barriers for youth, connecting them to essential services, educational opportunities, enrichment activities and so much more.

We’re proud to partner with organizations like YWCA Quad Cities to help children and families access the opportunities they deserve!

10/23/2026

Moving over 400 bikes takes a LOT of helping hands! We’re so thankful for our volunteers who continue to show up, step up, and help whenever they’re needed. We truly couldn’t do what we do without you!

Thank you Triplett Office Solutions for going above and beyond to help make a difference in the lives of Iowa’s children!

10/22/2026

Earlier this month, Judge received a Rifton adaptive trike through Variety’s mobility program at the Ashley Okland Star Playground at the Clive Greenbelt, opening up new opportunities for movement, growth, and fun!

Judge navigates complex medical challenges that affect his strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. While he can walk, riding a traditional bike safely isn’t possible for him without additional support.

His adaptive trike will provide the support and stability he needs to safely participate in physical activity while building strength, coordination, and endurance. It will also give him the opportunity to experience the joy of biking alongside the people he loves!

We’re so happy to help Judge keep moving, growing, and making memories. Every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore, and experience the joy of being a kid!

Address

11213 Aurora Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50322

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15152434660

Website

https://www.varietyiowa.com/

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