Category Archives: Events

Support MHNA’s Keep the Kids Warm program

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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.

MHNA Quarterly Meeting + Annual Supper on Thursday, October 17

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will hold its next meeting and annual supper on Thursday, October 17, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. The supper will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the quarterly membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. We expect to hear updates from Moore and Hillis elementary schools, Des Moines Parks & Recreation, and the Des Moines Police Department’s Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit.

We will also have neighborhood news, committee updates, and information on how you can get involved in supporting our neighborhood and city.

If you would like to bring a soup, side, or dessert, please contact April at (515) 707-6386.

MHNA Quarterly Meeting on July 18

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Please join us for the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association’s next quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. Here is a snapshot of what we have planned:

• Business Spotlight: Pam Lowe with IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, 3990 Merle Hay Road
• Reimagine Education Initiative: Des Moines Public Schools
• Ward 1 City Council Member: Chris Coleman

We also expect to receive a Des Moines Parks & Recreation update from Mike Bahl, along with neighborhood news, committee reports, and public safety updates from Officer Trudy Paulson with the Des Moines Police Department’s Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit.

Refreshments will be provided. Please join us and bring your neighbors. All are welcome!

SCRUB on April 20 at Merle Hay Mall

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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 20, in the north parking lot at Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road. Please note the location!

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/10C0C48ACA82DAAFCCE9-48630164-megaYard and tree debris can be dropped off at the Des Moines Compost Site at 1601 Harriett St. For more SCRUB program details, call Des Moines Public Works at 283-4950, or visit the department webpage at: https://www.dsm.city/departments/public_works-division/garbage_collection/scrub_events.php