Columbus OH
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Toys, Gifts & School Supplies

A Step In The Right Direction

Serves the Westside neighborhoods of Columbus. The Street Outreach program offers a free meal, hygiene items, and resources once per month on the corner of Central Avenue and West Broad Street. The Hygiene Program provides free hygiene and cleaning products once per month for households in zip codes 43222, 43223, 43204, and 43228. The Strong Start Support Services Program offers free educational workshops and baby supplies (crib or car seat) for individuals 34 weeks pregnant or with a child under 12 months old. They host community events and giveaways throughout the year, including the annual Westside Community Summer Bash and Back-to-School Bash.
PO Box 28176. Columbus, Ohio
(614) 254-0046
intherightdirection.org

Alicia’s Closet

Serves foster families in Central Ohio by providing infant to teen sized clothing, shoes, coats, backpacks, toys, baby accessories and other essentials, at no cost to families through their Free Store. They also offer Comfy Kits for children entering foster care, Respite events/Parents’ Day Out and support groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents. Visit the website for additional contact information.
(614) 398-2203
aliciasclosetcolumbus.org

Auntie V’s Corner of Kindness

Offers a free outdoor pantry and little library that operates as take what you need, leave what you can. Find or donate items including pantry staples, clothing, hygiene items, and books. They also host community events offering free meals, household items, back-to-school supplies, and winter clothing. Visit their website and social media pages for upcoming events.
758 Ann Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
auntievscornerofkindness.org

Bloom Free Store

Provides free baby clothes, shoes, diapers, and wipes for families with children ages 0-3 in Columbus, Ohio. Families must register before their first shopping appointment and may shop twice per month. Expecting moms may start shopping after 20 weeks of pregnancy. They also host shopping events. Visit the website for additional contact information and store hours.
Bloom at Vista Community Church: 7343 Worthington-Galena Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085
Bloom at Faith Community Church: 2578 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
bloomfreestore.org

Canal Winchester Human Services

Serves residents living in Canal Winchester, the Canal Winchester School District, the Bloom Carroll School District, or Lithopolis. The Community Food Pantry is available by appointment, and clients can visit twice per month. They also offer pop-up food events, emergency assistance for rent/mortgage or utilities, senior outreach programs, school supplies, and holiday adopt-a-family programs. Visit the website for program details and applications.
80 Covenant Way, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 834-4700
cwhumanservices.org

Center for Groveport Madison Human Needs (CGMHN)

Connects individuals and families in the Groveport Madison school district with community resources and aid. Services include summer lunches, school supply distribution, job referral assistance, and adopt-a-family programs. They also offer emergency cash assistance for housing, utilities, car repair, or medical needs.
PO Box 542, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 586-4017
gmhn.org

Columbus Cake Celebrations

Every child deserves a birthday cake. Volunteers bake or buy cakes or cupcakes and deliver to them for free to families in Columbus. Go online and complete the form to request a cake for your child or sign up to volunteer.
columbuscakecelebrations.com

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Project Connect Program

Provides services to help youth experiencing homelessness access public education and remove barriers to attendance. Services include help with school enrollment, transportation coordination, school supplies, and more. Go online for full program and eligibility details.
(614) 365-5140
ccsoh.us/Page/10778

Columbus Dream Center

A faith-based organization for underserved individuals and families in Central Ohio. They serve hot breakfasts and dinners at their Short North location. The free afterschool program for elementary students includes a meal, homework help, Bible study, and fun activities at multiple locations. They host Saturday programs for children grades K-5, and Bible study small groups for middle and high schoolers. The Hilliard location hosts the Grace Medical Clinic where they provide free medical appointments. Winter holiday programs include free meals and meal baskets. Families established with the organization year-round may receive extra support with toys and winter clothing.

  • Short North Dream Center: 38 West Greenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 547-3138
  • Hilliard Location & Medical Clinic: 4390 Reynolds Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
    (740) 816-6955
    columbusdreamcenter.org/services

columbusdreamcenter.org

Common Ground Free Store (CGFS)

Offers free clothing, shoes, diapers, household items, books, toys, hygiene items and diapers at the Free Store. There are no income requirements, all are welcome regardless of circumstances. They also serve hot, prepared meals 5 times a week for carry out or in their dining room. Services are available to residents outside of Franklin County. Programs are largely volunteer-driven. They accept individual or group volunteers, and donations.
Main Location: 193 East Central Avenue, Delaware, Ohio 43015
Donation Drop-Off: 147 East Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 369-3733
commongroundfreestore.org

Firefighters 4 Kids

Operates during the winter holiday season to provide free toys for children ages 0-12 in Central Ohio. They work with local agencies throughout Franklin County to sign up families. A listing of these agencies, locations, registration dates, and contact information can be found on the website.
(614) 633-5259
firefighters4kids.com

Goodwill Columbus

Goodwill Stores sell thrift clothing, furniture, art, and more to support their job training programs. Services include 1:1 career coaching, job training courses, and job placement. They offer training for basic work readiness, Roads2Work commercial driver training, STNA and medical coding; digital skills technology classes, and CompTIA IT program. They also offer AMP for young adults 18-24 to access additional wraparound services. I/DD services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities include access to Goodwill Columbus Art Studio, work readiness, adult day and residential services, and transportation.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Main Office: (614) 294-5181
Career Coaching: (614) 966-9283
goodwillcolumbus.org

Hilliard Food Pantry Plus

Serves residents who live in the Hilliard City School District (zip codes 43026, 43228, 43221, 43016, 43002, 43119, 43204). The choice food pantry offers a personal shopping experience for dairy, meat, pantry staples, and personal care/hygiene items. Sign up during open hours with a photo ID and proof of residency. Shoppers may visit the pantry twice per month. They offer transportation for seniors. The Share Closet offers free, gently used home goods and clothing for all ages. Shoppers can visit the Share Closet once per month, and an appointment is required. They also offer up to $200 in utility assistance per year for eligible families with a disconnect notice. Additional programs include holiday food and gifts for ages 0-13, senior food box delivery, appointments for problem solving and resource finding, and educational classes on financial literacy, nutrition, and more. Visit the pantry to sign up for programs.
Pantry: 3691Main Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Share Closet: 4410 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 363-4159
hilliardfoodpantry.org

Muslim Family Services (MFS) of Ohio

Social service agency established by Muslim women to help women and families overcome challenges. They support the Muslim community in Central Ohio by offering referrals, and material support. Services include basic needs assistance (food, housing referrals), mediation and conflict resolution services, interpretation and paperwork assistance, resettlement support, ESL classes, job skills training, and Janazah (Muslim funeral) services. They host seasonal giving programs for school supplies, and Eid and Ramadan meals.
4900 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 470-2848
wp.mfsohio.org/let-us-help

Neighborhood Bridges

A charitable organization that helps match families in need with businesses, volunteers, and organizations for resources like food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Use the website to find a Bridge in your community, request help, or fill others’ requests for help.
All Ohio Locations: neighborhoodbridges.org/state/ohio

Neighborhood Services (NSI)

Food pantry serving zip codes 43201, 43202, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43224 and 43229. They offer a choice food pantry by appointment. Individuals in their service zip codes may visit twoce per month, and all other Franklin County zip codes may visit once per year. Proof of address and photo ID is required. They also offer case management and resource navigation appointments. Additional programs include holiday meals, free tax preparation with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), back to school backpacks, Christmas toys, and community events.
1950 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 297-0592
neighborhoodservicesinc.org

NNEMAP Food Pantry

Serves residents of Columbus who live at or below 200% of the federally designated poverty level, no appointment needed. Families can visit NNEMAP once per week to receive food pantry items and hygiene items. Photo ID is required. They offer locker pick-up options and home delivery for senior citizens or those who medically qualify. Diapers are available for ages 3 and under with documentation (visit the website for accepted documents). They also offer holiday gifts as available. On-site preventive healthcare services through visits from community partners. Volunteers are welcome.
677 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-0533
wefeedcbus.org/get-food

One Dublin (Formerly Welcome Warehouse)

Serves individuals and families living in the Dublin City School District who are temporarily in need. Programs include Back-to-School Celebration for free school supplies and Adopt-Family/Adopt-A-Senior for holiday gifts. Emergency household assistance is available with referral for utilities, medical expenses, or transportation assistance. Transportation assistance can be used for car payments, uber cards, or bus passes. Assistance is not provided for car repairs or rent/housing. The Mattress Program provides new twin mattresses for free, with sheets, mattress pads, and pillows based on availability. The Community Free Shop provides gently used clothing, personal care items, and household essentials. Families can walk in and shop once every three months, no appointment needed. Visit the website for shop hours and additional program details.
Mailing Address: 7032 Hospital Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43016
Community Free Shop at Indian Run United Methodist Church: 6305 Brand Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
Call or text: (614) 726-6958
one-dublin.org

Proyecto Mariposas

Provides a supportive learning environment for Latina girls ages 2-17 and their mothers/guardians. Their programs focus on self-esteem and culture with the goal of developing brave girls and strong women. Programs include weekly activities for girls and moms, conferences and retreats, service projects, in-school programs, and summer camp opportunities. There is no membership cost.
2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 906-4706
proyectomariposas.org

Salvation Army

Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer youth programs, food assistance, emergency utility assistance, support for human trafficking survivors, and addiction recovery. Their thrift stores offer items at bargain prices to fund programs. You can find thrift store, church locations, and program details on their website.

  • Administrative Office
    966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 253-6811 or (800) 725-2769
  • Housing Service Locations
    Franklin County: 966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Delaware & Union Counties: 3769 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    Morrow County: 644 West Marion Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
    Homeless Hotline: (614) 274-7000
  • Youth Learning Centers
    Free after school programs, music & arts, and summer camps for K-5.
    Linden: 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
    Hilltop: 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 437-2159
  • Food Pantries: Call to schedule an appointment
    Franklin County: (614) 341-2282
    Delaware County: (740) 369-5301
    Union County: (740) 363-9487
    Senior Food Boxes: (614) 437-2134
  • Human Trafficking Services:
    24/7 Hotline: (888) 373-7888
    (614) 358-2614
  • Addiction Rehabilitation Center: Serves men struggling with addiction
    (614) 221-4269
  • Emergency Utility Assistance:
    Use the link to find a caseworker in your zip code for assistance.
    easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/caseworker-zip-code-list/

easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home

Stitched Together

Provides free “Hope Cases” filled with comfort items and essentials for kids (newborn to 18 years old) entering the foster care system, with the goal of providing hope in an uncertain time. Foster and kinship families can request a Hope Case when placed with a child coming into care for the first time. They also host an annual Back to School Bash for foster families to meet, and each family receives a gift card to help with school expenses. Visit the website to contact the organization.
stitchedtogether.org

Student Success Stores

A free, anonymous store for students Grades 6-12 in select Columbus City Schools locations. Students can shop for free hygiene products, snacks and food items, clothing, and school supplies. Visit the website to contact the organization, find what schools they currently serve, or to donate/volunteer.
P.O. Box 14136, Columbus, Ohio 43214
studentsuccessstores.org

Tom Fennessy / Mike Harden Back-to-School Project

Provides backpacks and school supplies for disadvantaged children grades K-12 in Central Ohio. They do not provide backpacks/supplies directly to families but distribute them through partner organizations. Visit the website to donate or find a partner organization.
PO Box 12234, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 558-6577
tomfennessy.org/index.html

Victory Ministries Center of Hope

Faith-based nonprofit providing a food pantry, clothing boutique, cooking classes, and Christmas food and gift help. They can also connect you to employment assistance with their community partners. Healthcare services include eye exams and no-cost glasses to those who qualify, breast and cervical cancer screens to women who are uninsured or underinsured, and mental health counseling with board-licensed counselors at the Hope Counseling Center. Appointments are required for most services, including food pantry and boutique.
3964 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 252-2500
victorycoh.org

Volunteers of America (VOA)

Provides supportive services for veterans, families, and individuals. Shop their thrift stores to support their programs and find low-cost clothing and home goods. Services vary based on location and include employment, housing, and wrap-around services for veterans; clinical treatment programs for ex-offenders, emergency housing for men in Columbus, and mental health treatment. They host Operation Backpack to help provide school supplies for families each fall. The monthly Auto Auction is an opportunity to purchase a donated vehicle to benefit their social service programs. They have thrift stores and program offices across Ohio; the Columbus program office is listed below.
624 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Veterans Resource Center: (614) 849-0145
Family Services: (614) 251-7610
Auto Auction Website: voaohioautoauction.org
Main Website: voaohin.org/central-ohio

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