Youth Emergency Services & Shelter announced Thursday that it has received a $280,000 donation from Microsoft Corp. that will improve the organization’s technology infrastructure. The gift will provide hardware and software technologies to expand the shelter’s operations and further support the children and families who seek help from YESS. “This donation is an investment in the great work YESS does every day for children and families in need,” said Buddha Manandhar, operations manager of Microsoft’s data center in West Des Moines. YESS is in the midst of a 19,000-square-foot expansion of its shelter, which when completed this spring will provide an additional 32 bedrooms as well as new classrooms, music and art therapy studios and meeting space. “Microsoft’s investment in YESS’ information technology will help us meet the needs of children and families in new and innovative ways” said Stephen Quirk, YESS CEO. “We are very grateful for their support as we strive to meet the growing need for our services.” Technology can be one of the biggest challenges for nonprofit organizations. Read about the challenges nonprofits face in this Business Record article.