Author Archives: merlehayadmin

SCRUB on April 19 – Please volunteer if you can!

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association (MHNA) will once again partner with Des Moines Public Works to host the annual Spring Clean Up to Reduce Urban Blight (SCRUB) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, in the north parking lot at Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road. 

SCRUB allows Des Moines residents to discard unwanted items including furniture, televisions, appliances, tires, hazardous waste, and other materials for free.

This is a largely volunteer-driven event and MHNA welcomes your help. Volunteers primarily help answer questions and direct traffic. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48ACA82DAAFCCE9-55474872-mega#/

Visit the Des Moines Public Works website for complete SCRUB details: https://www.dsm.city/departments/public_works-division/garbage_collection/scrub_events.php

MHNA Annual Meeting on January 16 + 2025 Meeting Dates

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, at the Northwest Community Center, located at 5110 Franklin Ave. We will have our annual report, neighborhood news, public safety updates, Des Moines Parks & Recreation news, refreshments, and more. We also expect to hear from Anawim Housing with an update on their Monarch Apartments project. The meeting will conclude with the election of officers and board members for 2025.

Looking ahead, please note that MHNA ALWAYS meets on the third Thursday in January, April, July, and October at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. In 2025, MHNA will host its quarterly membership meetings on January 16, April 17, July 17, and October 16.

Unless otherwise noted, the meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Our October gathering includes our annual supper, which starts at 6 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 6:30.

Please save the dates! Our ability to send out paper newsletters depends on annual revenue and grant support, which varies from year to year.

MHNA & LifeServe Team Up for Jan. 3 Blood Drive

Every day, countless individuals in your community rely on the generosity of blood donors to overcome health challenges and emergencies. Your decision to donate blood is a great example of kindness in action. By doing so, you’re not only providing hope and support to those in need but also reinforcing the message that compassion and selflessness can change lives.

Can we count on you to encourage others in your community to follow in your footsteps and become blood donors? You’ve already set a remarkable example, and together, we can help save even more lives. Share your experience, inspire others, and let’s make kindness the cornerstone of our community. Remember, small acts like blood donation can make a big impact.

Merle Hay Neighborhood Association
01/03/2025 (11:00 am – 04:00 pm)
IHMVCU Credit Union
3990 Merle Hay Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310

To schedule your donation, select the link above or call 800.287.4903.

Let’s save lives together!

2025 MHNA Board Positions

Have you ever wanted to become more involved with your neighborhood? Looking to have greater input into changes in the neighborhood? Then you may want to consider becoming a board member of the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association. You must own property/live/work in the neighborhood, be current on your neighborhood association dues, and attend board meetings, virtually or on the phone, once a month. If you would like more information or would like to discuss further, please email MerleHayNeighborhood@gmail.com.

Support MHNA’s Keep the Kids Warm program

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association is once again collecting new clothing and monetary donations for elementary school children through our Keep the Kids Warm program. 

This year, we are collecting winter clothing for students at Hillis Elementary School. Donations of NEW coats, boots, stocking hats, gloves, snow pants, and mittens are welcome, or you can donate money and we’ll purchase the needed items. The following sizes are needed:

  • Coats & snow pants- (boys and girls): 6/6x, 7/8, 10/12, 14/16.
  • Boots (boys and girls): 1, 2, and 3, 4
  • Mittens or Gloves (boys and girls): S, M, L & XL

Our cutoff time is November 11, so we can get items to the kids before Thanksgiving break.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated! We also want to thank Applebee’s Grill + Bar on Merle Hay Road for donating a portion of their orders on Oct. 29! 

Your help is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or would like more information about donating, please contact Kathy Battles on her cell at (515) 865-3040, or by email at kmbattles@msn.com.