Children & Families of Iowa Spotlight on Giving

Spotlight on Giving

The following donors have distinguished themselves by touching Children & Families of Iowa in a unique and lasting manner. Their impact will be felt for years to come.

Margaret Toomey
As a full-time special education teacher through the Des Moines Public Schools, Margaret Toomey has been instrumental in educating the youth at both residential treatment facilities. Since she took over in 2004, CFI has graduated a minimum of two youth each year and one year had a record of four! This year we celebrated graduations for three of our youth and have two more that will be ready to graduate in January. These youth credit their success to Margaret.

This amazing volunteer's contributions even go beyond the classroom. Regularly on Saturday mornings you can find her at one of the treament homes working with the youth who are behind on school work or need extra help. She has also forged relationships for CFI with the Des Moines Art Center and the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Margaret is always willing to take the time to do special projects with the youth and expand their developmental opportunity.

Knapp Properties, Inc.
For several years Knapp Properties has been giving non-monetary donations and utilizing their talents to enhance the appearance of CFI Des Moines facilities. Children at the Child Development Center have bright cheerful rooms to play and learn in and the girls at the group home get to enjoy their outdoor space with updated landscaping, all thanks to employees at Knapp Properties. Last year during United Way's Day of Caring, Knapp's employees gave of their time and talents to enhance the appearance of CFI's main agency by providing landscaping and painting, along with all of the supplies needed to complete the project! Those efforts have not gone unnoticed and are appreciated by all who visit this facility.

During the holiday season, CFI can count on Knapp Properties to bring smiles and joy to the teens staying at both group homes. They make holiday wishes come true by providing holiday presents for each individual at both homes. While many of these youth do not get the opportunity to go home during the holiday season, this reminds them they are appreciated and cared about.