News - Variety Iowa - the Children's Charity

Variety supports thousands of children across Iowa with the help of dedicated volunteers and numerous fundraising events throughout the year. With so much happening, every effort is focused on making a greater impact for children in need.

2025 News Releases

Mar 25, 2025 Hy-Vee Round Up Campaign Raises More than $220,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity
Hy-Vee customers generously supported Variety – the Children’s Charity by rounding up their total grocery bill in February to support children who are critically ill, at-risk, underprivileged, or living with special needs. This month-long initiative raised an impressive $220,385.
Feb 01, 2025 Hy-Vee Partners with Variety - the Children's Charity for Annual Round Up Campaign to Support Kids
Customers can make a difference by rounding up their purchases to the next dollar, now through Feb. 28, to support children in need across the Midwest.

2024 News Releases

Dec 23, 2024 Variety Star Playground at the Iowa State Fair
Variety believes every child deserves the thrill, excitement, and joy of outdoor play. Playgrounds are not just spaces to have fun - they inspire learning, build friendships, and promote healthy activity. Most importantly, they break down barriers, creating inclusive experiences where children of all abilities can play side by side.
Dec 06, 2024 Family Receives Compassion Fund Help
Variety raises funds each year in December to refill the Compassion Fund at local hospitals. Tune in to 92.5 KJJY in central Iowa and 104.5 KDAT in eastern Iowa during Variety's Two Days of Compassion on December 10 & 11 and donate now to help children like Gunnar!
Nov 25, 2024 Jeff Lorenzen to Serve as Honorary Chair for Variety Telethon
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is thrilled to announce that Jeff Lorenzen will serve as the honorary chair of the 51st annual Variety Telethon Fundraising Campaign.
Oct 25, 2024 Variety Van for Crittenton Center
Crittenton Center in Sioux City, IA received their new Variety Van! This van will be used to transport the youth they help to and from school, appointments, and therapeutic outings.
Oct 16, 2024 Ashley Okland Variety Star Playground at the Clive Greenbelt
The City of Clive and Variety – the Children’s Charity are proud to announce a partnership to install a new all-inclusive Ashley Okland Variety Star Playground in Clive. Variety’s newest playground will be located at Greenbelt Landing, a new park on the site of the Clive Aquatic Center.
Oct 01, 2024 Variety Iowa Leadership Announcement
Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, has retired after 24 years of dedicated service to the organization and the community.
Sep 24, 2024 81 Nonprofits Receive Variety Grants
Variety – the Children’s Charity Provides Funding to 81 Nonprofits Helping Children Throughout Iowa
Aug 08, 2024 Fareway Round Up Raises more than $151,000 for Children In Need
Fareway Stores, Inc. partnered with Variety - the Children’s Charity to conduct the seventh annual Round Up at the register in July at all 139 store locations, raising a total of $151,089.86 for Variety – the Children’s Charity. On Saturday, August 3rd, Fareway presented a check to Variety at the Fareway Family Night at the Blank Park Zoo.

Variety Iowa News

Variety — the Children’s Charity of Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.