Columbus OH
Choose your Language:
Columbus OH

Holiday Help & Winter Resources 2026 (CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Holiday)

The annual CAP4Kids Holiday Help List is here! This list is being updated in real time. Check back often for updates on giveaways for meals, winter clothing, toys, and more to help keep the holidays bright for all. Do you know of a resource we should add to the list? Let us know at CAP4KidsColumbus@nationwidechildrens.org.
**All CAP4Kids material is for general information purposes. While we endorse careful review of the information on our site, we cannot endorse any particular organization. Availability may change quickly. Please contact agencies directly to verify accuracy and access services. Information in each section is listed by date or alphabetically** 

Click to navigate this page:

Free Holiday Meals

Columbus Turkey Drive
Sign up: Opens Thursday, Nov. 12
Pickup: Sunday, Nov. 22 | 12-4PM
Location: TBA in Columbus
Sign up to receive a free, uncooked turkey and sides. Feeds a family or 4-6. Any family living in Ohio is welcome to sign up. Photo ID is required to pick up your meal. No proof of income required.
ColumbusTurkeyDrive.com/#get-a-meal

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway with Columbus Kappa Alpha Psi
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 8-11AM
Linden Stem Academy: 2626 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
Free turkeys and food will be provided while supplies last. Residents of Columbus are welcome to attend.
Instagram.com/p/DdtwyxGOn80

Turkey & Coat Giveaway
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 11AM
City of Grace Church: 3350 Allegheny Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209
Free turkeys and winter coats will be given away while supplies last.
Flyer: ImpactCA.org/community-events/november-14th-2026-turkey-amp-coat-giveaway
Event website: Eventbrite.com/e/city-of-grace-3rd-annual-turkey-coat-giveaway-tickets-2003569368917

A Table of Thanks: Thanksgiving Food Giveaway & Health Screening Event with BridgePoint
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 10AM-2PM
Friendship Baptist Church: 1775 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Attendees can enjoy a hot meal, free health screenings, access to the food pantry, and food baskets for families of 5 while supplies last.
Eventbrite.com/e/A-Table-of-Thanks-Nourishing-Our-Community-Tickets-2002578925474

Thankful & Thriving Resource Fair with A Step In The Right Direction
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 12-2PM
Hilltop Library: 511 South Hague Avenue, Columbus OH 43204
This event is designed to connect, support, and uplift our community with helpful resources and essential supplies. Connect with local community organizations/resources and visit the Hygiene Store for free personal care items. Free turkeys will be given while supplies last.
InTheRightDirection.org/Event-Details/Thankful-Thriving-Resource-Fair

Free Thanksgiving Dinner at Columbus Dream Center
Thursday, Nov. 26 | 11AM-12:30PM
38 West Greenwood Avenue, Columbus OH 43201
A free Thanksgiving meal will be served. No registration required.
https://www.columbusdreamcenter.org/holidays/#thanksgiving-dinner

SRD & Friends Holiday Meal
Thursday, Nov. 26 | 11AM-3PM
Glenwood United Methodist Church: 2833 Valleyview Drive, Columbus OH 43204
Enjoy a free community Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone is welcome.
InTheRightDirection.org/Event-Details/SRD-Friends-Holiday-Meal

Giant Eagle Free Turkey Promotion
All Market District and Giant Eagle locations are offering customers a chance to earn a free turkey. Customers must enroll in myPerks Loyalty Card. Customers that spend at least $350 on qualifying items between now and November 8 may redeem an offer for a free frozen turkey. Customers can earn across multiple trips. Redemption is available through November 30.
GiantEagle.com/Free-Turkey

Free Meals Year-Round: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Food/Meal

Food Pantries: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Food/Now

Franklin County Food Resources: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Food/Now

Free Coats, Winter Clothing & Hygiene Items

More coming soon for 2026!

Year-round Clothing & Hygiene Items: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Home-Goods

Holiday Toys & Free Stores

Coming soon for 2026!

Year-round Free Stores: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Home-Goods

Holiday Donating & Volunteering

Please carefully review program and sign-up opportunities. Volunteering opportunities may be ongoing or on specific dates and times. Donations may have specific guidelines for acceptable items, and many organizations offer Amazon Wish Lists with preferred items. Most organizations also accept monetary donations.
Food Pantries: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Food/Now
Volunteering & Donating: CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/Volunteer

Columbus Recreation & Parks | Adopt-A-Center
Make a financial donation or shop the Amazon Wish List to help provide toys, meals, hygiene items, and clothing for families.
CRPFoundation.org/Programs/AdoptACenter

Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Visit the website to make a donation or find volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is available for individuals, families, and groups at multiple locations. Ages 16+ are welcome, ages 11-15 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
MOFC.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer

One Warm Coat
This national organization helps people and organizations hold coat drives and donate coats. Click on their searchable map to find local coat drives near you, places coats can be donated and ways to give.
(877) 663-9276
OneWarmCoat.org

Salvation Army | Christmas Cheer
All ages can volunteer to ring the iconic Red Kettle to help raise money for holiday programs. Visit the website to register as a volunteer or to make a monetary donation.
EasternUSA.SalvationArmy.org/Southwest-Ohio/Central-Ohio/KettleFAQ

Seeds of Caring
Offers a variety of opportunities for kids and families to serve the community from home or in-person. Visit the website for upcoming service projects.
SeedsOfCaring.org/Participate/Columbus

Essential Needs

Click the links below for helpful resource lists and tools:

Supporting Kids During the Holidays

Click the links for helpful articles and tools: