A Message to Our Waterloo Fiber Community
As the holiday season approaches, we at Waterloo Fiber are reminded of what makes our community truly special: the generous spirit and caring hearts of our neighbors.
We invite you to be part of this beautiful tradition. Whether you have an hour to volunteer at a local food bank, a gently used winter coat to donate, or the ability to sponsor a child through the Angel Tree program, your contribution matters. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, ripples through our community and touches lives in profound ways.
This holiday season, as you enjoy the festivities throughout downtown Waterloo's Winter WonderLoo celebration or attend Cedar Falls' Holiday Hoopla events with your family, we encourage you to also consider how you might give back. The organizations listed in this guide represent the heart of our community, and they rely on support from neighbors like you to continue their vital work.
Your Time is Valuable. Volunteers are the backbone of holiday programs. Whether it's serving Christmas dinner at Westminster Presbyterian Church, helping sort donations at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, your time makes a direct impact on your neighbors' lives.
Your Resources Make a Difference. Even modest donations create meaningful change. Just $30 provides a child with a warm winter coat through Koats 4 Kids. $40 supplies a complete Thanksgiving dinner for a family through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. And toys valued at $25-$40 bring Christmas morning joy to children through the Angel Tree and Toys for Tots programs.
Getting Started is Easy. Not sure where to begin? Simply dial 211 anytime, day or night, to connect with the Cedar Valley United Way's free information and referral service. They'll help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity or donation program to match your interests and availability.
At Waterloo Fiber, we're proud to serve a community that looks out for one another. As we connect you to what matters most through our fiber network, we're honored to help connect you to opportunities that strengthen the fabric of our community.
This holiday season, let's come together to ensure that every neighbor feels the warmth of community, the joy of connection, and the hope that comes from knowing they're not alone.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Waterloo Fiber. Thank you for being part of a community that truly cares.
For a complete listing of holiday support programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, please see the detailed guide that follows.
FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Location: 1605 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA 50703
Contact: (319) 423-3427
Website: neifb.org
Services: Holiday meal programs providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to families experiencing food insecurity. Your $40 donation provides a complete Thanksgiving dinner for a northeast Iowa family.
Cedar Valley Food Pantry
(A program of NE IA Food Bank)
Location: 1605 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA 50703
Web: neifb.org/programs/cedar-valley-food-pantry
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Services: Food and grocery products for Black Hawk County households
Operation Give Birds
Location: Waterloo
Web: iowagivingcrew.org/operation-give-birds
Services: Provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need in our community. Sign-up opens Wednesday, November 13 at 9 a.m. on the website above. The group will distribute 2,500 Thanksgiving meal kits on Saturday, November 23 across Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Iowa City, Waterloo, and Davenport.
The Salvation Army - Waterloo
Location: 89 Franklin St, Waterloo, IA 50704
Contact: (319) 235-9358
Website: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/waterloo/
Services: Food assistance, shelter, and bill assistance during the holiday season
Westminster Presbyterian Church - Christmas Day Dinner
Location: 1301 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA 50702
Contact: (319) 234-5501
Web: wpcw.org/
Services: Free traditional Christmas Day dinner with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Open to anyone, ongoing since 1981
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Location: 320 Broadway St, Waterloo
Contact: (319) 232-3366
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Services: Emergency assistance including food, rent and utility assistance, clothing, and furniture for low-income families
Hope City Church Thanksgiving Community Meal
Location: 118 High Street, Waterloo
Web: myhopecity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246181
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Services: All are welcome to join at either 4:45 PM or 6:15 PM. Sign up to serve at the link above
TOY & GIFT PROGRAMS
Toys for Tots
Web: cedar-falls-ia.toysfortots.org
Drop-off Locations: Multiple locations throughout Cedar Falls and Waterloo including:
- KWWL (511 E. 5th St, Waterloo)
- Walmart locations
- Menards stores
- Local businesses throughout both cities
Campaign Period: Through early December
Services: Request or donate a toy at the URL above
Details: Cedar Falls Exchange Club coordinates the program
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
Web: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/waterloo
Contact: (319) 235-9358
Online Registry: Available at ToysForTots.org
Details: Adopt and “Angel” and shop for items on their Christmas list! Over 840 local children served through the program to date.
Locations:
- Cedar Falls Walmart (all entrances), Waterloo Walmart, Waverly Walmart, Sam's Club Waterloo WCF Courier
- Additional locations: SPRY Skin & Wellness Center, Splendore the Medical Spa, Vision 4 Less, and UAW Local 838 News-Press NOW
WINTER CLOTHING & GEAR
Koats 4 Kids
Web: koats4kids.org
Services: Provides new winter coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves, and scarves to children from low-income families. The program serves 34 schools in Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Gilbertville, Hudson, and Waterloo
HOLIDAY CAMPAIGNS & GIVING
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Locations: Participating Walmart and Sam's Club stores starting in November
Web: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/waterloo
Special Feature: Walmart shoppers can round up purchases in-store and online to donate
Campaign Period: November through December 31
MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center - Festival of Trees
Website: mercyone.org/northeastiowa/giving/festival-of-trees
Location: Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St, Cedar Falls
Dates: November 18 - 24, 2025
Details: 34th Annual fundraiser and tree festival, featuring beautiful trees decorated by local organizations. This year’s goal: $50,000 for MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center.
- VIP Night: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Wednesday, November 20: 10 AM - 4 PM
- Thursday, November 21: 4:30 PM - 8 PM
- Friday, November 22: 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Saturday, November 23: 9 AM - 8 PM
- Sunday, November 24: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
Winter WonderLoo
Location: Downtown Waterloo
When: December
Web: mainstreetwaterloo.org/winterwonderloo
Details: Capture the holiday magic of downtown Waterloo with two weeks of fun and festivities for everyone! Some events require registration, available at the web link above
Activities:
- November 30-December 19: Letters to Santa at Anton’s Garden (drop your letters in Santa’s mailbox)
- December 6, 13, 20, 11 AM-1 PM: Santa and Mrs. Claus visits at Anton's Garden
- December 10, 5 PM: Free holiday movie! “Smallfoot” at Hope Martin Theatre
- December 13, 1-8 PM: Jingle Bar Hop
Cedar Falls Holiday Hoopla
Website: cedarfallstourism.org/
When: Throughout November and December
Details:
Activities:
- November 28, 6 PM, Holiday Hoopla Kickoff! Santa’s grand entrance, Mrs. Claus in the workshop, fireworks
- Nov. 28 - Dec. 18, Santa 50613 - mail your letter and receive a handwritten reply!
- December 4, 11, 18, 6-8 pm OR Saturday, December 13, and 20, from 10am -12pm at the River Place Plaza, Santa’s Workshop
- December 4, 5-8 PM, Jingle & Mingle, horse drawn trolleys and more
- December 6, 8-11 AM, Breakfast at the North Pole at the Cedar Falls Community Center
- Dec. 11, 6 PM - Dec 13, 8pm, Eat, Drink & Be Merry
- Dec. 13, 10 am, Movie Magic w/free showing of “Happy Feet 2” in Oster Regent Theatre
- Dec. 18, 6-8 pm, Baby It's Cold Outside w/ice sculpture and activities
- December 20, 10am-12pm, Reindeer Games, a family fun event!
GENERAL ASSISTANCE & REFERRAL SERVICES
Cedar Valley United Way 211
Contact: Dial 211
Website: cedarvalleyunitedway.org/ or 211iowa.org
Hours: 24/7, year-round
Services: Free, comprehensive information and referral system providing connections to holiday assistance, food pantries, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance, and other community resources
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley
Website: vccv.org/
Services: Connects volunteers with community organizations needing holiday support
findhelp.org
Website: findhelp.org/
Services: Searchable database of food pantries, assistance programs, and social services in Waterloo and Cedar Falls area
Know before you go this holiday season…
For the most current information, visit individual organization websites or call 211 to be connected with appropriate resources for your specific needs.
- For specific 2025 dates and times, contact organizations directly
- 211 Service is available 24/7 for immediate assistance and comprehensive resource information
- Most programs accept donations year-round to prepare for holiday distribution
- Many organizations need volunteers during the holiday season - contact them directly to offer time or services
