Holiday Help

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**

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Free Holiday Meals
Holiday Toys & Free Stores
Free Coats, Winter Clothing & Hygiene Items
Holiday Donating & Volunteering
Essential Needs
Supporting Kids During the Holidays
Free & Low-Cost Family Fun

Free Holiday Meals

St. Stephen’s | Christmas Cares Food Box & Toys
In-Person Registration December 7 & 9
1500 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43219
Franklin County residents may sign up to receive a food box or toys for ages 0-12. Food will be distributed at an assigned pick-up time December 19-21st. Families must provide a photo ID, proof of Franklin County residency, and documentation of child’s name and birthdate. In-person registration for food and/or toys takes place December 2, 3, 7, and 9. Online registration is currently full. Visit the website for details.
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org/christmas-cares

Marion Franklin Community Center | Youth Holiday Meal Giveaway
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5-6PM
2801 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Families are welcome to attend and receive free meals for youth. Meals will be takeaway and given on a first come, first served basis.
(614) 645-3160
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/marion-franklin-youth-holiday-meal-give-away

Linden Community Center | Holidays Meals
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5:30PM
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
All are welcome to enjoy a free holiday meal. Meals will be takeaway and given first come, first served.
(614) 645-3067
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-linden-holiday-meals

North YMCA | Food & Produce Giveaway
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 10AM-12PM
1640 Sandalwood Place, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Free food and fresh produce are distributed on a first come, first served basis for income-eligible Franklin County residents. Photo ID is required.
(614) 389-4707
ymcacolumbus.org/social-services/food-produce-giveaway

Tuttle Community Center | Brunch with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 10AM-12PM
240 West Oakland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Enjoy a free pancake breakfast and say hello to Santa.
(614) 645-3613
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-tuttle-brunch-with-santa

Far East Community Center | Holiday Giveaway
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12-2PM
1826 Lattimer Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43227
All are welcome to enjoy a holiday celebration with games, music, and a hot meal. There will be giveaways for those in attendance. Food and giveaways are first come, first served.
(614) 645-3159
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-far-east-holiday-giveaway

Thompson Community Center | Holiday Lunch-In
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 12:30-2:30PM
1189 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
All are welcome to enjoy a free holiday meal and game of bingo.
(614) 645-3082
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-thompson-holiday-lunch-in

Douglas Community Center | Holiday Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 5-7PM
1250 Windsor Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
All are welcome to enjoy a warm holiday meal with community.
(614) 645-7407
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-douglas-holiday-celebration

Glenwood Community Center | Winter Holiday Party
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 5-7PM
1888 Fairmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
All are welcome to attend this special event. There will be a buffet style meal and giveaways while supplies last.
(614) 645-3282
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-glenwood-winter-holiday-party

Woodward Park Community Center | Winter Festival
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 5:30-7PM
5147 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
All are welcome to enjoy a holiday celebration with a free meal, activities for children, and photos with Santa. Children will receive a toy while supplies last.
(614) 645-3158
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-woodward-winter-festival

Milo Grogan Community Center | Holiday Toy Giveaway
Friday, Dec. 19 | 4:30-7PM
862 East Second Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Enjoy a free holiday meal and toy giveaway. Children must be present to receive a toy. First come, first served. Contact the center for additional details.
(614) 645-7376
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-milo-grogan-holiday-toy-giveaway

Driving Park Community Center | Holiday Dinner
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7PM
1100 Rhoads Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
All are welcome to enjoy a holiday celebration and dinner.
(614) 645-3228
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-driving-park-holiday-dinner

Feddersen Community Center | Winter Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7PM
3911 Dresden Street, Columbus, Ohio 43224
All are welcome to enjoy the annual free holiday party. There will be a hot meal, games, and cookie decorating. Winter clothing and hygiene items will also be available. Food and giveaways are first come, first served.
(614) 645-3083
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-feddersen-winter-holiday-party

Holton Community Center | Holiday Party & Toy Giveaway
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7PM
303 North Eureka Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Celebrate the holidays with a free, traditional holiday meal. Each child in attendance will take home a new toy. RSVP is required, call to make a reservation.
(614) 645-3208
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-holton-holiday-party-toy-give-a-way

Sullivant Gardens Community Center | Winter Dinner & Gift Giveaway
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7PM
755 Renick Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
All are welcome to enjoy a free dinner and gift giveaway. First come, first served. Contact the center for additional details.
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-sullivant-gardens-winter-dinner-and-gift-giveaway

GRIN (Gahanna Residents In Need) | Extra Holiday Food
Distribution dates: Dec. 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23
161 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Visit the pantry in person to pick up extra food for the holidays. Visitors must be residents of Gahanna-Jefferson school district or the 43230 zip code. Photo ID and address verification is required. Visit the website for pick-up times.
(614) 214-4747
grin4gahanna.org/extra-holiday-food

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

Holiday Toys & Free Stores

Columbus Kids’ Book Bank
Monday, Dec. 8 | 3-6PM
7949 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43235
Shop for free, gently used kids’ books. Anyone in the community with children or who works with children is welcome.
bookbank.secondandseven.com/events

UMADAOP of Franklin County | The Gift
Registration open Now – Monday, Dec. 8
Provides free gifts for eligible youth and families. Eligible applicants must already be participating in UMADAOP programs or have a family member that is currently incarcerated or has a history of addiction. Applicants must be residents of Franklin County, provide the child’s birth certificate, and child must live in the home. Visit the website to apply.
(614) 227-9694
surveymonkey.com/r/umadaopfc

Westgate Community Center | Winter Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 12 | 6-8PM
455 South Westgate Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
All are welcome to enjoy a free celebration. Children can spend time with Santa Claus and receive a free gift, while supplies last. Contact the center for additional details.
(614) 645-3264
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-westgate-winter-holiday-party

Hilliard Food Pantry Plus | Holiday Shop
Registration on Monday Dec. 8 & 15 | 1-3PM or 4-6PM
3691 Main Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Offers holiday food options and gifts for registered families in zip codes 43026, 43228, 43221, 43016, 43002, 43119, 43204. Gifts are for children ages 0-14. Visit during the sign-up hours with proof of address and proof of children’s ages to register.
(614) 363-4159
hilliardfoodpantry.org/holiday-assistance.html

Scioto Southland Community Center | Winter Festival
Thursday, Dec. 18 | 5:30-7PM
3901 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Families are welcome to enjoy this free event with carnival-style games. Children will receive a toy while supplies last.
(614) 645-3224
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-scioto-southland-winter-festival

CelebrateOne | Firefighters 4 Kids Registration
CelebrateOne connecters will be on-site to help families register for free holiday toys at the times and locations listed below.
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1295700709268486&set=a.635396715298892

Tuesday, Dec. 9 & 16 | 12-2PM
Eastpointe Christian Church: 745 Waggoner Road, Columbus, Ohio 43004
Wednesday, Dec. 10 & 17 | 5:30-7:30PM
Barnett Community Center: 1184 Barnett Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Thursday, Dec. 11 & 18 | 5:30-7:30PM
Far East Neighborhood Pride Center: 2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232

Firefighters 4 Kids
Registration Open Now – Friday, Dec. 19
Columbus residents may register with one of the partner agencies listed below to receive free toys. Toys are available for children ages 0-12 years old. Please check with each agency for sign-up details and required documentation (most require parents’ photo ID and proof of child’s age).
(614) 633-5259
firefighters4kids.com

CAP City Athletics: 639 Whitethorne Avenue
Email: capcityfalcons@gmail.com
Community Development for All People: 946 Parsons Avenue
614-445-7342
Community Youth and Young Adult Empowerment: 454 North 20th Street
614-517-2002
East Columbus Development Company: 1774 East Main Street
614-372-0884
Far East Development/Barnett: 1184 Barnett Road or 2500 Park Crescent Drive
614-724-0100
Destiny Center: 1561 Old Leonard Avenue
614-569-4958 x1507
St. Stephens Community House: 1500 East 17th Avenue
614-294-6347
Triumphant Christian Center: 904 Thomas Avenue
614-805-3936
Worthington Food Pantry: 6700 Huntley Road
614-985-1766

Free Coats, Winter Clothing & Hygiene Items

Year-round Clothing & Hygiene Items: cap4kids.org/columbus/home-goods

CPH Linden Anti-Violence | Adult Winter Gear Giveaway
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10AM-2PM
Linden Fresh Market: 1464 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Attend this free community event for adult winter clothing, access to resources, and more.
cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/12/Winter-Giveaway.png

A Step In The Right Direction | Hygiene Free Store
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 1:30-2:30PM
2833 Valleyview Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Columbus residents are welcome to visit and request up to 5 free hygiene or cleaning items while supplies last. No registration or appointment required.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=885310437500469&set=pb.100080645621259.-2207520000

Make-A-Day | Season of Warmth
Monday, Dec. 8 | 11AM-2PM
1112 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Attend this pop-up event for warm winter clothing, a free meal and hot cocoa, and connection to resources for housing and wellness. Everyone is welcome.
makeaday.fun/events/december-pop-up

Feddersen Community Center | Winter Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 19 | 5-7PM
All are welcome to enjoy the annual free holiday party. There will be a hot meal, games, and cookie decorating. Winter clothing and hygiene items will also be available. Food and giveaways are first come, first served.
3911 Dresden Street, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 645-3083
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-feddersen-winter-holiday-party

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

Community Development 4 All People | Free Store Christmas Shop
Each year the Christmas Shop provides new toys and clothing for ages 0-12 years old. New toy donations will be collected through December 13th. Please call in advance for large donation drop-offs.
(614) 443-1713
facebook.com/photo?fbid=1219990963498050&set=a.318522836978205

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

Firefighters 4 Kids
Toy Drives will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at locations listed below. Toys may also be dropped off at any Franklin County Fire Department through Christmas Day. Monetary donations are also accepted at CME Credit Unions or Franklin County Fire Departments.
firefighters4kids.com

NBC4: 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43202
Dublin: 6255 Shier-Rings Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
New Albany/Plain City: 9500 Johnston Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
Upper Arlington: 3861 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
Worthington: 6500 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Franklin County Children Services | Holiday Wish
Accepting Donations thru Friday, Dec. 20
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Support children in FCCS care this holiday season. They are currently accepting monetary donations or toy donations. Toys must be new, unwrapped, and dropped off in person. Shoppers can drop of new and unwrapped toys from the Toy List.
Toy List: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/10/Holiday-Wish_Toy-List.pdf
Holiday Wish sign-up and monetary donations: fccs.us/holiday-wish

Huckleberry House | Holiday Gift Drive
Gift Drop Off: Thursday, Dec. 11 5:30-7:30PM or Saturday, Dec. 14, 9AM-12PM
1421 Hamlet Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Visit the website to shop a child’s holiday wish list. The total value of gifts should not exceed $125. Gifts should be wrapped, labeled, and dropped of during the times above. Supporters can also make monetary donations to Huckleberry House or shop the organization’s Amazon Wish List.
signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/993624282073/false#/invitation

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) | 12 Days of Christmas
217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Choose one day or all twelve from the flyer to shop for items that will benefit residents in shelters this holiday season. Items must be new or unused and can be dropped off in person by Friday, December 19.
cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/10/12-Days-of-Christmas-2025.pdf

Make-A-Day | Season of Warmth
Monday, Dec. 8 | 11AM-2PM
1112 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Volunteer to be part of the pop-up community of care. Neighbors will be given warm winter clothing, a free meal and hot cocoa, and connection to community resources. Sign up online to help with check-in, food service, barber services, and more.
dash.pointapp.org/events/303369?blm_aid=25795585

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

Nationwide Children’s Hospital | Family Holiday Help
Donations accepted Now through Friday, Dec. 5
Make a monetary donation to provide gift cards for families receiving services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Families may be referred by medical social workers to receive gift cards to retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Aldi and Five Below to help with expenses this holiday season. Visit the website and type “Family Holiday Help” in the comment field to give.
give.nationwidechildrens.org/site/Donation2?mfc_pref=T&df_id=8781&8781.donation=form1

Nationwide Children’s Hospital | Wish List
Toy donations accepted Now through Saturday, Dec. 13
Donation Drop-off Address: 646 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Shipping Address: 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Shop the Wish List to support families receiving services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Gifts must be new and on the approved list. Gifts can be shipped to the hospital or dropped off in-person. You must complete the form on the website to schedule your drop-off time during one of the available dates. They also accept monetary donations.
(614) 722-4277
nationwidechildrens.org/giving/ways-to-give/wish-list-for-donations

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
www.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

St. Stephen’s | Christmas Cares
Currently accepting donations for their Christmas Food Drive. They also accept monetary donations. In-person volunteer opportunities may be available for ages 12+.
Food Drive Information: facebook.com/SSCH1919/posts/pfbid0267pu3vBKJctrdx86vtsBG2qVkLEa2XiBuKWKkkpvWMMwC8apVhLbrt5DyNEXQqWUl?rdid=rLrkzz5r8KIWD5ZK#
Monetary Donations: saintstephensch.org/christmascares

Toys for Tots
Toy donations will be accepted through December 12. Toys will be distributed through Franklin County Job and Family Services, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Columbus City Schools. Visit the website to find a drop-off location near you or to make a monetary donation.
columbus-oh.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx

Victory Ministries Center of Hope | Season of Hope
3964 E. Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
Offers several opportunities to help gift toys and meals to families this season. In-person opportunities include food box preparation (Dec. 2-4), home delivery (Dec. 6), and food box distribution (Dec. 17-18). They also accept food donations, new and unwrapped toys for ages 0-14, monetary donations, or Amazon Wish List donations. Visit the website for acceptable donation details or to sign up to volunteer.
victorycoh.org/christmas

Essential Needs

Click the links below for helpful resource lists and tools:

Supporting Kids During the Holidays

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Parent Resources