remembering Doug Woods

2026 Doug woods Memorial Hunger challenge

$45,820 raised with your support

Thank you to everyone who participated in the annual Douglas M. Woods Hunger Challenge this March.  Doug Woods found delight in giving and made a lasting difference through a lifetime of public service. In the creation of this challenge, he hoped to inspire others to see how every single person has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the community.

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s efforts. We are proud to announce that $25,820 has been raised by individuals and congregations in the Greater Des Moines Area to fight hunger and food insecurity. This has helped us fully realize the $20,000 matching gift sponsored by the family of Mr. Woods and David Simpson & Holly Klotz.  DMARC is grateful for their continued efforts in supporting our neighbors’ basic human needs.

Every single person has the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.

Memorial Hunger Challenge

The goal in the beginning was simple: To create a challenge match that would not only help those facing food insecurity but also encourage others to give generously. It was tremendously successful, and ten years later has raised nearly a million dollars in support of the DMARC Food Pantry Network.

We are truly grateful to the family of Douglas M. Woods who have decided to carry on his legacy. The Doug M. Woods Memorial Hunger Challenge continues every year during the month of March and area congregations and individuals are encouraged to donate and encourage others to make a positive impact on their neighbors.

Share information about the challenge with your congregation. Print out this handout and insert in your March bulletin.