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
Holiday Donating & Volunteering
Essential Needs

Free Holiday Meals

Columbus Nupes | Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8:20AM-2PM
Champion Middle School: 284 Twenty-second Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
Turkeys will be given until supplies last. 1 turkey per household, no more than 2 turkeys per vehicle. ID required.
instagram.com/p/DP6Kz0cjsTc

Far East Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 12PM
1826 Lattimer Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-3159
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/far-east-thanksgiving-hot-meals

The SOAR Foundation | Thanksgiving at the Park
Sunday, Nov. 16 | 1-3PM
1100 Rhoads Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Enjoy free food, toiletries, and haircuts.
facebook.com/SOARFoundationOH

Thompson Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal & Bingo for 50+
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 12:30-4PM
1189 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Seniors are welcome to enjoy a warm meal and play bingo with neighbors. The event is free, but registration is required. Visit the front desk or call to register.
(614) 645-2201
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-thompson-thanksgiving-meals-and-bingo-50

Howard Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 5PM
2505 North Cassady Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-howard-thanksgiving-meals

William H. Adams Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 5-7PM
54 Alton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-3051
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-adams-thanksgiving-meal-giveaway

Gillie Community Center | Thanksgiving Luncheon
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 11:30AM
2100 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and entertainment with neighbors at the community center. Tickets are $15 and are on sale until Friday, November 14. You must have a ticket for lunch.
(614) 645-3106
columbusrecparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Gillie-Fall-2025.pdf

Marion Franklin | Thanksgiving Meals for 50+
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 11:30AM-1PM
Seniors are welcome to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal with neighbors. The event is free, but registration is required by Friday, November 14. Visit the front desk or call to register.
(614) 645-3160
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-marion-franklin-thanksgiving-meals-50

614 Youth Prevention Agency | Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 12-4PM
946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
First come, first served dinner for up to 200 people.
(380) 213-0176
facebook.com/events/1132036058580428/?rdid=b9jNReZy9pnNO2Ta&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1DQo6aLZfX%2F#

Barack Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5PM
580 Woodrow Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-3610
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-barack-thanksgiving-meals

Douglas Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5-7PM
1250 Windsor Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-douglas-thanksgiving-meals

Feddersen Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5-7PM
3911 Dresden Street, Columbus, Ohio 43224
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center. There will also be game stations for youth to enjoy.
(614) 645-3082
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-feddersen-community-center

Glenwood Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5-7PM
1888 Fairmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal to-go or dine in. Meals will be distributed first come, first served while supplies last.
(614) 724-4043
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-glenwood-thanksgiving-meals

Driving Park Community Center | Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5:30-7PM
1100 Rhoads Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
All ages are welcome to receive a free, hot meal.
(614) 645-3228
columbusrecparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Center-Program-Guide-Driving-Park-3.pdf

Stonewall Columbus | Community Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5-7PM
1160 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Enjoy a free meal with LGBTQ community. Donations will be accepted for shelf stable food, hygiene items, clothing, coats, blankets, and tents.
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1274333628060588&set=pb.100064518891234.-2207520000

Linden Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5:30PM
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-3067
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-linden-thanksgiving-meals

Holton Community Center | Thanksgiving Meal
Friday, Nov. 21 | 5-7PM
303 North Eureka Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-3208
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-holton-thanksgiving-meals

Milo Grogan Community Center | Thanksgiving Dinner
Friday, Nov. 21 | 5-7PM
862 East 2nd Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-7376
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-milo-grogan-thanksgiving-community-dinner

Carter Kindness | Thanksgiving Drive Thru
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 4-6PM
Faith Lutheran Church: 730 Collingwood Avenue, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
Drive thru to receive mini meals with turkey, non-perishable dinner items, and dessert – no questions asked. Meals will be given while supplies last.
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3095650763937989&set=gm.2011938342886863&idorvanity=903330483747660

Highland Youth Garden | Thanksgiving Market
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10-11:30AM
85 South Highland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Stop by for fresh produce from the garden and other essentials for Thanksgiving dinner. All are welcome.
highlandyouthgarden.org

Turkey & Fixings Meal Giveaway
Sunday, Nov. 23 | 2-4PM
The families of Casey Goodson Jr. and Donovan Lewis have united to give back to the community. Sign up to receive free turkey and meal fixings. Pick-up details will be shared to those who sign up the week before the event.
cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/10/Casey-Goodson-Jr-Donovan-Lewis-Turkey-and-Fixings-Meal-Giveaway-11.23-2-to-4pm.jpeg

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio | ClubsGiving
Monday, Nov. 24 | 2-6PM
Families who receive services with Boys & Girls Clubs can receive full Thanksgiving meals with turkey and sides. Meals will be distributed at Milo-Grogan, South Side, and J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouses. Contact your local club for additional details.
cap4kids.org/columbus/boys-and-girls-clubs

Brentnell Community Center | Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 5PM
1280 Brentnell Avenue, Columb7us, Ohio 43219
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal with neighbors at the community center.
(614) 645-7640
columbusrecparks.com/calendar/2025-brentnell-thanksgiving-community-dinner

UMADAOP of Franklin County | The Harvest
Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 11:30AM-2:30PM
CML Main Library Auditorium: 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Those in need are welcome to attend for a hot meal, free clothing, blankets, and other essentials. They will also be hosting a winter coat drive and will accept new or gently used coats, scarves, socks, and gloves.
(614) 227-9694
umadaopfc.com/wellness-and-cultural-initiatives

Columbus Dream Center | Free Thanksgiving Lunch
Thursday, Nov. 27 | 11AM-12:30PM
38 West Greenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Enjoy a free meal, no registration required.
columbusdreamcenter.org/holidays/#thanksgiving-dinner

St. Aloysius Catholic Church | Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 27 | 11AM-2PM
2165 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Enjoy a free dinner in fellowship and community.
facebook.com/photo?fbid=1153146250274513&set=a.419592580296554

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

Salvation Army | Christmas Cheer Toy & Food Program
Registration open Now – Thursday, Dec. 4
Families may apply to receive toys for children 0-14 years old and a hearty food box. Parents will select toys and pick up the food box the week before Christmas, at the time assigned during registration. No appointment is required but applications are accepted at specific times listed on the flyer. Parents must bring photo ID for head of household and proof of dependents with birth dates for all household members. Applications will be accepted in-person at the locations listed below, visit one near you.
(614) 221-6561 ext.600
Website: easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/cheer
English Flyer: s3.amazonaws.com/use-cache.salvationarmy.org/bf0e841e-44e5-4f39-adca-28bdcd372ab5_Cheer+2025+Flyer.pdf
Spanish Flyer: s3.amazonaws.com/use-cache.salvationarmy.org/1b209f36-98d8-4bb7-af6d-857113fd807f_Christmas+Cheer+2025+Flyer+Spanish.pdf

Salvation Army Citadel: 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
Salvation Army Hilltop: 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Salvation Army/Stowe Mission Center: 888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Salvation Army East Main: 966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Salvation Army Worthington Woods: 760 Worthington Woods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43081

Columbus Public Health | Ryan White Client Holiday Dinner
Registration Due: Monday, Nov. 17
Dinner: Friday, Dec. 5 | 6-8PM
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Clients receiving services through the Ryan White Network in Columbus are welcome to attend for a hot meal, holiday activities, and a picture with Santa. Attendees may bring a guest and children, as space allows. Dinner registration is first come, first served.
(614) 645-5627
Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/11/2025-Client-Holiday-Dinner-Flyer.pdf
Register: redcap.columbus.gov/surveys/?s=RLWJFHCF99AHH4XJ

Meal Discounts

ALDI | $40 Thanksgiving for 10
Purchase ingredients to make a turkey, side dishes, and pumpkin pie to serve 10 guests for approximately $40. Actual total price will vary depending on your shopping selections.
aldi.us/products/thanksgiving/feast-for-10/k/259

Target | $20 Thanksgiving for 4
Meal package includes a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, corn, and a bag of potatoes. Actual total price will vary depending on your shopping selections.

Walmart | $40 Thanksgiving for 10
Offering deals on turkey and side dish ingredients to serve 10 people for approximately $40. Actual total price will vary depending on your shopping selections.
walmart.com/i/shoppable-lists/Thanksgiving-value-meal/929

Holiday Toys & Free Stores

ThanksGIVING: A Day of Ministry Giving
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 12-3PM
Trinity Baptist Church: 461 Saint Clair Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
Join Trinity Baptist Church for a free community event dedicated to generosity and gratitude. Free items will include personal care products to small household appliances.
(614) 258-9583
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1333810688536278&set=a.600203218563699

Salvation Army Citadel: 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
Salvation Army Hilltop: 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Salvation Army/Stowe Mission Center: 888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Salvation Army East Main: 966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Salvation Army Worthington Woods: 760 Worthington Woods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43081

Columbus Kids’ Book Bank
Thursday, 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

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

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

Franklin County Children Services | Coats for Kinship Families
Monday-Friday | 9AM-4PM
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Kinship care families are welcome to come in person to select free coats while supplies last. Coats are designed for girls, juniors, and women. Contact your caseworker or call for additional details.
(614) 275-2523
cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/11/Winter-Coats-for-Kinship-Families_opt.pdf

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

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

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio | Clubsgiving
Make a monetary donation between now and Sunday, November 17 to provide more than 500 full Thanksgiving meals to Club families.
secure.givelively.org/donate/boys-girls-clubs-of-columbus-inc/2025-clubsgiving

The Buckeye Ranch | Hope for the Holidays
Registration CLOSES Saturday, Nov. 15
Sign up to be matched with a youth and receive a personalized wish list to shop for their wants and needs. Donors can also shop the organization’s Amazon Wish List or give a monetary donation.
buckeyeranch.org/get-involved/hope-for-the-holidays

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 Dream Center | Thanksgiving Baskets & Volunteering
Thanksgiving meal baskets are distributed to families in neighborhood surrounding the church. Donations of laundry baskets full of approved food items will be accepted in-person on Saturday, November 15. Volunteer opportunities are also available to deliver baskets or to serve Thanksgiving lunch.
columbusdreamcenter.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/category/41038

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
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Support children by making a monetary donation, drop off new and unwrapped toys, or sign up to be a Holiday Wish Granter. Shoppers can drop of new and unwrapped toys from the Toy List. Holiday Wish Granters sign up to be matched to a child and can spend up to $100 per child. All gifts should be delivered in person by Monday, December 1.
Toy List: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/10/Holiday-Wish_Toy-List.pdf
Holiday Wish sign-up and monetary donations: fccs.us/donor-opportunities

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

LOSS Community Services | Giving TIME Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 4-8PM
3040 Riverside Drive, Suite 224, Columbus, Ohio 43221
Give a few hours of your time this giving Tuesday. Help pack care boxes for families who have recently lost a loved one to suicide or assemble resource folders for first responders.
(614) 530-8064
facebook.com/photo?fbid=1168121522163276&set=a.269798498662254

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

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

St. Vincent Family Services | Adopt A Family
Gift Delivery: Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Donors sign up to be matched to a family and shop their personalized wish list. Select your preferred drop-off date during sign-up. Drop off your wrapped and labeled gifts. They are also accepting volunteer groups to organize gift distribution, and direct monetary donations.
(614) 252-0731 ext. 1132
svfsohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AAF-Donor-Flyer-2025.pdf

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

UMADAOP of Franklin County | Winter Coat Drive
Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 11AM-2:30PM
CML Main Library: 90 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Accepting new and gently used coats, scarves, socks, and gloves to distribute to community members.
(614) 227-9694
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1154533906822976&set=a.579733270969712

Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) | Thanksgiving Blessing
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Help provide a Thanksgiving meal for families by filling a bag with food items from the wish list or make a monetary donation. Bags must be delivered in person between now and November 14.
warmwesterville.org/thanksgiving-blessing

Essential Needs

Click the links below for helpful resource lists and tools:

Parent Resources