Students

Jurene’s Dream Birthday Club

We feel every child deserves to be celebrated on their birthday and we don’t want it to be a burden financially for families in need who may already be struggling to put food on the table. Jurene’s Dream Birthday club provides a birthday package consisting of a cake mix, frosting, candles, balloons and a birthday gift to registered clients of UCAN.

To register, download the Jurene’s Dream Birthday Application, complete and return to the UCAN office. A UCAN representative will contact to finalize arrangements.

How to Donate: On our website or you can send a check to PO BOX 7615 Urbandale, IA 50323. You can also buy birthday supplies on our Amazon wish list and these purchases will ship directly to us. Do you have another idea to make a birthday special? Email info@urbandalenetwork.org

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Metro West Alternative High School

UCAN has been proud to support Urbandale School District’s Metro West Learning Academy for more than 6 years! This unique and wonderful school is an alternative program shared by six school districts: Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, Dallas Center-Grimes, Johnston, Saydel, Urbandale and Waukee. A large majority of students are on free & reduced lunch and need extra support.

UCAN helps many of the students with basic needs such as weekend food bags, personal care bags, holiday support and more. In addition, we provide quarterly incentives such as gift cards to restaurants and gift bags. One of our highlights each year is to host their graduation celebration!

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Winter Wear for Kids

We have been providing winter boots, snow pants and accessories to kids in need for more than 10 years. This program connects kids in need with community partners & sponsors and UCAN also holds specific fundraisers to purchase the items. Each child can request 2 items, but we cannot guarantee all requests will be met. To request a new coat, please contact your school.

Pre-registration is required: Register Here!

Client Registration Date: Closed.   Check back October 2025

Event Date: Early November, Date TBD

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School Supplies

UCAN has been providing back-to-school supplies for children in the Urbandale school district in grades kindergarten through high school for 13 years.

Pre-registration is required. 

Client Pick-Up Date: Closed – check back July 2025

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Summer Food Distribution + Lunches

UCAN provides supplemental food at a variety of locations throughout Urbandale during the summer months when school is not in session.

Summer Food Distribution and lunches are expected to be continued during the summer of 2025

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Teacher Help

We receive many requests from teachers and school district outreach workers for essential items for their students. We often provide personal care items, snacks, and try to fulfill many other needs.