Self-Help International – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Self-Help International’s tree theme is: Colors of Ghana
Since 1989, Self-Help International has worked in Ghana, West Africa, to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves. That work continues today, supported entirely by our generous donors.
Our tree features decorations made of fabric acquired in Ghana. Ghana has a long and rich history of textile production, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this fabric Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- As an Iowa-based nonprofit with a global mission, Self-Help International is grateful to partner with Christkindlmarket Des Moines for the opportunity to engage with the Central Iowa community and bring attention to how we are helping people help themselves in Ghana and Nicaragua.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Funds raised allow Self-Help International to partner with rural communities to improve agriculture, empower women and girls, promote good nutrition, and expand access to water.
Check out Self-Help International’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
Garland for Sale – After Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026
Help us find a second home for the hundreds of feet of live fraser fir garland used at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Receive 25′ of garland for $40.
Your garland will be available for pickup starting at 7pm, Sun Dec 13th, in the circular walkway between the North Lot and Main Lot of Principal Park. All purchases must be picked up by 8:30pm on Mon, Dec 14th. Please bring either a printed or electronic copy of your receipt to verify the purchase.
Meet the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026 Christkind
We would like to introduce Karlie Latterell as the Christkind for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Karlie is a Freshman at the University of Iowa.
The Christkind is the namesake of Christkindlmarkets. The Christkind is often described as a fairy-like being dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon their golden locks. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. They are the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States.
Our Christkind will be making appearances at the festival during our opening ceremony Dec 4, 2026 from 6pm – 7pm. She will also make appearances on Dec 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th from 2pm-4pm.
Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15’s tree theme is: Celebrating Danish Christmas Plates
This year the Danish Brotherhood decided to honor the Danish Christmas plates in using blue and white colors in the decorations. We used blue mini-Danish plates and papirklip (paper cutting) using blue and white paper for the ornaments. Blue and white lights are also used to brighten and accent the tree.
The plates mythology traces back to the Middle Ages when nobles are said to have gifted their servants’ unique platters of fruit and cookies during the annual Yule celebrations. More recently, the history of the blue and white plates begins in 1888 when Crown Princess Louise of Denmark visited the 1888 Nordic Industrial, Agricultural and Arts Exhibition in Copenhagen. This was a massive event with over 1 million people gathered in and around Tivoli Gardens.
The plates originally weren’t intended to be anything more than decorative, but when Princess Louise requested to purchase one as a keepsake, attendees scrambled to claim their own until every plate was claimed. Collecting these ornate and unique plates has been a Danish and Danish American tradition ever since. Some families stuck with one factory line, others mixed both together depending on which image they preferred year after year.
Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen, produce a new design every year. And in keeping with tradition, the mold is broken after production, ensuring they can never be copied.
The plates are cherished by thousands of people around the world. While many still look forward to the debut of a new plate every year, others only collect for years of special significance, such as a wedding date or the birth of a new family member.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- Danish Brotherhood believes it is important to let everyone know that there are active Danish heritage groups available in the Des Moines metropolitan area. We love sharing our traditions especially at Christmas as in Denmark this dark time of year is brightened by Christmas trees. Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 wishes to support other non profits as well as the area by providing a tree to share at Christkindlmarket.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Lodge #15 is a philanthropic group. The profit from our tree will be added to our non-profit donation fund which is mostly funded by our two Æbleskiver Brunches. This fund regularly contributes to food drives, veterans organizations, Miracle League Baseball as well as Danish groups
Check out Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
Sons of Norway – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Sons of Norway’s tree theme is: Ro! Ro! Ro!
A play off the fun World Cup chant that seemed to captivate Norway and the world. The tree will be decorated with both soccer and Viking ship paraphernalia. Should be lots of fun.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- We participate in the tree auction because it’s a good way to promote our lodge in the community. Also it is a good team building exercise. It gives team members something else to be involve with other than our normal monthly meeting.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Our local organization benefits primarily through the exposure. The maney raise that is over and above our expenses goes to one of the charities the National office promotes. In the past we have given to the Sons of Norway Foundation and we have given to the “Ski for Light” which helps the blind on the ski trails.
Check out Sons of Norway’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
Lutheran Services in Iowa – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Lutheran Services in Iowa’s tree theme is: Safe at Home
We decided on this theme because all of our service lines are represented in some way through the idea of being safe in our homes.
Our Early Childhood Program involves violence prevention. Services for People with Disabilities promotes independence and safety at home. Immigrant and Refugee Community Services involves building a home somewhere new. Foster Care and Adoption Services helps children feel safe at home. Our Mental Health Program represents the idea that when an individual has good mental health, their home can be a more pleasant place to be. Our Evelyn K. Davis Center represents career readiness and financial security, which can help people build a safe and “secure” home.
The overall tree aesthetic will feature an LSI color theme, with featured ornaments representing what “home” can look like for different people. The homes and different groups of ornaments will have unique color schemes to cater to a variety of tastes and interests. The tree will also include words in other languages that mean “home.”
Other ornaments will include 3D house-themed designs, as well as 2D ornaments in a variety of styles. Different color schemes will be incorporated throughout the tree, along with LSI’s signature colors, to create a welcoming and diverse representation of what “Safe at Home” can mean to different people.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- Our organization helps individuals and families build connections, gain confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive in their everyday lives. We create pathways toward greater independence, opportunity, and belonging. Participating in this auction allows us to connect with community members who want to make a meaningful difference and invite them to be part of this important work.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Funds raised through the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction will help LSI continue providing vital services to individuals and families throughout Iowa. These funds support programs that provide the following services: English language learning classes, mentoring services, early childhood and family resources, foster care and adoption, and refugee economic empowerment initiatives such as Global Greens. From mental health services to support for individuals with disabilities, LSI is a home for those in need. Across Iowa, our programs help people move toward greater independence, opportunity, and a stronger quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to the donors, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. By investing in LSI, they are investing in people, families, and the strength of our entire community.
Check out Lutheran Services in Iowa’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
Center for Creative Justice – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Center for Creative Justice’s tree theme is: Hope in Every Sparkle:
CCJ’s hope- and justice-themed tree uses a winter-inspired color palette of deep and icy blues, snowy white, glittering silver, and touches of crystal to symbolize hope, compassion, courage, determination, and the pursuit of justice. Meaningful statement ornaments add a personal touch that celebrates belonging, connection, and community, creating a tree that reflects CCJ’s commitment to hope and justice for all.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- The Center for Creative Justice (CCJ) is excited to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction as a way to celebrate the holiday season, connect with our community, and introduce more people to our mission and the important work happening at CCJ! This event provides an opportunity to raise awareness of our impact while generating funds that directly support the individuals, families, and communities we serve. We are grateful to Christkindlmarket Des Moines for hosting this festive event and bringing Iowa nonprofits and the community together. We are excited to be a part of this year’s Christmas market and appreciate the opportunity to turn a holiday tradition into meaningful support for positive change—one life at a time.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Funds raised through the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction will provide valuable support for CCJ’s programs and services. Contributions will help us continue providing supervision and guidance to individuals, connecting them with tools, resources, and community supports to successfully navigate reentry, make lasting changes, build healthy, productive lives, and achieve rehabilitation. CCJ is committed to creating pathways for positive change by helping individuals take responsibility for their actions, make meaningful changes in their lives, successfully transition back into the community, and establish supportive relationships. Through probation supervision, reentry support, and connections to community partners, CCJ supports individuals in their efforts to change, reducing the risk of future victimization, enhancing public safety, and contributing to stronger, healthier communities.
- Follow CCJ and learn more about our impact in the community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccjiowa
Instagram: @ccjiowa
Check out Center for Creative Justice’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
Children Invited to Participate in Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Saint Nicholas” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to participate in the opening ceremony?
Contact Dave Cox at dcox66@gmail.com with questions and interest. We would like at most 25 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather at the Kinderkorner at 5:40pm on Friday, December 4, 2026 (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if your child does not wish to take it home.
Project Iowa – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Project Iowa’s tree theme is: Growing Into Your Purpose
Every career begins with something more than a job. It begins with discovering your strengths, recognizing your possibilities, and finding a path forward.
Project Iowa’s tree celebrates the many ways Iowans contribute to our workplaces and communities. Decorated in Project Iowa’s signature colors, the tree features ornaments and objects representing careers across industries from healthcare and education to skilled trades, technology, hospitality, business, transportation, and more.
Woven throughout the tree are words representing the journey toward meaningful employment: purpose, confidence, skills, opportunity, growth, hope, career, and stability.
Together, the decorations tell the story of Project Iowa’s three pillars Purpose, Career, and Stabilityand our belief that when people connect their strengths and purpose with meaningful, stable employment, individuals, families, businesses, and communities can grow.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- Project Iowa is excited to participate in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction because it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community while introducing more people to our mission. Project Iowa believes everyone deserves the opportunity to find meaningful, stable employment and build a future filled with purpose and possibility. Being part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines allows us to share that message in a festive and welcoming environment while joining other local nonprofits that are making a difference throughout our community.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Funds raised through the Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction will directly support Project Iowa’s programs and the individuals we serve. Through career development, personalized coaching, professional skills training, and connections to employment opportunities, Project Iowa helps individuals identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and take meaningful steps toward stable employment and economic mobility.
- Support from the auction helps ensure these services remain accessible at no cost to participants, allowing more individuals in our community to gain the confidence, skills, connections, and support they need to build a stronger future for themselves and their families.
Check out Project Iowa’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines and their team of volunteers will be serving Gluhwein, Kinderpunsch, & Hot Cocoa on Saturday, December 5, 2026. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1000 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
The School of Metaphysics is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to teaching the art and science of the mind. Through classes, workshops, and working with Intuitive Reports, we help students develop concentration, memory, intuition, and dream interpretation skills — practical tools for spiritual growth and self-mastery.
Our Des Moines branch has served the community over 30 years by offering a structured path of inner discovery, combining ancient wisdom with modern application, for people at every stage of their spiritual journey.
See our upcoming classes and events on
Facebook @SOMdesmoines,
Meetup – Des Moines Metaphysics,
or ask to join our email list – desmoines@som.org