Category Archives: Events

Help MHNA Keep the Kids Warm

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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 boots and gloves are welcome, or you can donate money and we’ll buy the needed items.  Donations can be dropped off at Kathy Battles’ home, or she can pick them up. Checks can be mailed to MHNA at P.O. Box 13241in Des Moines, 50310. Please make checks out to MHNA  along with a note that says it is for Keep the Kids Warm. Donations can also be made via PayPal to merlehayneighborhood@gmail.com. If you donate using PayPal, please consider adding a little extra to cover the service fee.

The following sizes and winter wear ONLY are needed:

  • Pull-on, not laced boots (boys and girls): Sizes 1, 2, and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 
  • Waterproof Gloves (boys and girls): Sizes S, M, L & XL

Our cutoff time is Friday, November 13, so we can get items to the kids before Thanksgiving break.

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.

Quarterly Meeting + Annual Soup Supper on Oct. 15

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association invites you to our annual soup supper and quarterly meeting on Thursday, October 15, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. Enjoy soup and time with neighbors starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Connect with fellow residents, hear about what’s happening in the community, and help support a stronger neighborhood. Door prizes will be awarded, with additional prize opportunities for those who renew their membership at the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Quarterly Meeting on April 16

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MHNA’s next quarterly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. We expect to be joined by Polk County Treasurer Mary Wells, Troy Bothwell from Neighborhood Finance Corporation, and Chuck Montgomery from A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy, also known as AMOS.

Our quarterly neighborhood business spotlight will feature Jolene Christensen with O’Donnell ACE Hardware on Hickman Road. We also expect to receive a Des Moines Parks and Recreation update from Mike Bahl.

Please join us and invite your neighbors!

MHNA’s Annual Soup Supper and Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, October 16

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its annual supper at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. The supper will be followed by MHNA’s regular quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Please contact us at merlehayneighborhood@gmail.com if you would like to bring soup, a side, or a dessert to share at the supper.

When the meeting gets underway, we expect to hear from Polk County Treasurer Mary Wells, Mike Bahl from Des Moines Parks & Recreation, and public safety updates from Officer Trudy Paulson with the Des Moines Police Department. Other neighborhood updates will also be provided.

Candidates in the November 4 city and school board elections who might join us will also be allowed to briefly introduce themselves.

Please join us on Thursday and invite your neighbors!