A yearly tradition of generous gift-giving by Des Moines Register readers has resulted in a final fundraising total of $353,387.60, ready to be dispersed to worthy low-income applicants across all 99 Iowa counties.
Known as Embrace Iowa, the annual charitable program is overseen by the Iowa Community Action Association and administered by 16 agencies that welcome, without judgment, individuals and families who might benefit from individual grants valued up to $750.
After a short two-month campaign, the 2025-’26 Embrace Iowa drive ended in January, receiving funds from 880 donors, and is now on target to make a difference in as many as 471 households…