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Volunteering / Donations

* Volunteering & Donating

The CAP4Kids website is full of fantastic organizations to support! Below are organizations that specifically offer opportunities to volunteer or donate. Please carefully review program requirements and contact the organizations directly to get started. Volunteering opportunities may require training and registration. Donations may have specific guidelines such as acceptable items and drop-off times. Let us know if we should add your organization to this list!

All for Good

A website that lists opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement. Volunteer opportunities from many sites around the web are pulled together onto this website to provide an in depth database of volunteer opportunities.
allforgood.org

AmeriCorps & ServeOhio

Federal agency for service and volunteerism. They offer a variety of work programs for adults age 18+ to receive educational scholarships and other benefits in exchange for service. Service opportunities include NCCC environment & disaster response, VISTA alleviating poverty, and much more. Initiatives in Ohio include Teach for America, Ohio State University Extension Public Health, and other programs aimed at improving education, economic prospects, and health in Ohio. Community-based organizations can apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
National Service: (800) 942-2677
americorps.gov

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

Best Buddies Ohio

A One-to-One Friendship program creating social inclusion and friendships for people with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. Programs take place at middle schools, high schools, colleges, and online across Ohio. The Leadership Development program empowers people with or without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates.
PO Box 45353, Westlake, Ohio 44145
(614) 928-3383
bestbuddies.org/ohio

Bexley Freedge (Free Fridge)

The Freedge (free + fridge) offers a free community refrigerator and freezer to reduce food waste and help neighbors in need. It is outdoors and open to the public so anyone can take what they need, no questions asked. It’s like a little free food pantry, but with the ability to safely store fresh, perishable, and frozen foods. Visit the website for detailed donation guidelines.
2691 Delmar Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 559-4250
bexley.org/freedge

Blessing Boxes

Blessing Boxes are outdoor, publicly located cabinets that allow community members to anonymously donate items or take what they need. Boxes can include non-perishable food items, toiletries, baby supplies, pet food, or anything else that might be considered a blessing to someone in need. Take what you need, leave what you can. Use the Box Locations Map on the website to find a Blessing Box near you.
Columbus: columbusblessingboxes.com/box-locations
National Little Free Pantries: littlefreepantry.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio

Nationally-acclaimed after-school and summer programming for youth ages 5-18. Programs are oriented around Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Mental Health & Wellbeing. Club members have access to tutoring, sports, teen-specific areas, career-readiness opportunities, leadership opportunities, and mentoring. To find a club in your neighborhood, visit the website for a full list of stand-alone and in-school Clubhouses in Columbus, Newark, and Marion. Columbus Clubhouses open to the community are listed below:

  • The Champion Companies Milo-Grogan: 1000 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • J. Ashburn Jr.: 85 Clarendon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
  • Louella Hodges Reese: 96 Maholm Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
  • Oak Street: 656 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
  • South Side: 280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207

(614) 221-8830
bgccentralohio.org

Broad Street United Methodist Church (UMC) Outreach

Provides free, hot meals on Wednesday evenings at 5pm. They also accept volunteers to serve. Call their office for more information.
501 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-4571
broadstreetumc.net

Buddy Up For Life for Youth with Down Syndrome

Serves individuals with Down Syndrome by providing engaging activities that help athletic, social, and emotional development. Athletes are partnered with volunteer Buddies to provide support, develop friendships, and reinforce the coaches’ instructions. Coaches are trained to implement the curriculum specifically created for athletes with Down Syndrome. Programs include tennis, pickleball, fitness, Zumba, and summer camp. The Columbus location offers a Life Skills program for students ages 14+ to learn skills like cooking, finance, and professional communication.
8000 Walton Parkway, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 579-8808
buddyupforlife.org

Camp Lionheart

A free, week-long summer camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Campers enjoy outdoor camp activities including swimming, hiking, games, and crafts. Campers also receive structured group grief counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations. The camp operates on donations and families are not charged.
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org

Center for Courageous Kids (CCK)

Offers free summer camps and family retreat experiences for seriously ill children, in a safe, medically supervised environment. Medical care is provided by volunteer physicians and nurses coordinated by a full-time medical director. They provide camps for kids with asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, blood disorders, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, spina bifida and more.
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
(270) 618-2900
courageouskids.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 Medical Association Foundation

Empowers physicians and community members to improve the health of the Columbus community. Programs for youth include: Made for Medicine for African American and Black youth grades 6-12 to explore careers in medicine, and The Youth Advisory Council for grades 8-12 in Central Ohio schools interested in volunteering and public health. Healthcare professionals can get involved with Physicians Care Connection, Central Ohio Trauma System (COTS), and Physicians Leadership Academy. Columbus Medical Association Foundation also offers grant funding for local nonprofits with a focus on youth health and wellness programming. Click the links for additional program details.
1390 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 240-7410
columbusmedicalassociation.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

Fairy Goodmothers

Provides free prom attire (including dresses, jewelry, and accessories) to high school students in Columbus through their annual Cinderella’s Closet pop-up boutique. Anyone with a valid high school ID can sign up to shop. Each student is paired with a personal shopper for an individualized experience. Sign-ups for shoppers and volunteers are posted mid-January each year. They host Tag Sales in the summer for shoppers to purchase dresses at a discount while supporting the organization. They also accept donations and volunteers. Visit the website to contact the organization.
fairygoodmothers.org

Festa

Faith-based organization supporting families impacted by poverty and celebrating cultural diversity. They offer free youth and adult programming, including a three generation family English-learning/ESL program for all ages. Youth programs include the Excelerate young entrepreneur program for children K-8, and a free summer lunch camp. Contact the organization for registration details. They also accept youth and adult volunteers.
Upper Arlington Lutheran Church (UALC) at Mill Run
3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 586-7939
wearefesta.org

Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB)

Non-profit providing recreational fishing opportunities for all regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability. Their annual fishing event is an opportunity for people with disabilities to connect in community and participate fully in the world of fishing. Events are facilitated by volunteers.
PO Box 1499, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 383-8851
fhnbcentralohio.org

Flying Horse Farms (FHF) Camps for Kids With Serious Illnesses

A medical specialty camp providing transformative experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families, free of charge. Campers range from 7-21 years old and have diagnoses including cancer, heart conditions, rheumatologic diagnoses, blood disorders, lung conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial diagnoses, spinal cord diagnoses, and mental health conditions. Campers are given the opportunity to embrace new experiences like exploring the ropes course, archery, and swimming. Professionals can find opportunities to volunteer as camp counselors, kitchen crew, and medical and psychosocial team members. Families must visit the website and apply to attend camp.
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org

Freedom a la Cart

Café and catering kitchen providing empowering survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. Anyone can go online to view their Café Menu, place a Catering order, or purchase a gift card. Their programs include a 2 -year comprehensive workforce development program, CATCH Court Support for victims involved in the justice system, and affordable housing. The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer program for women healing from trauma and substance use disorder to work towards a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with paperwork, get record expungement, and other supports. They also offer community events, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities.
123 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 992-3252
freedomalacart.org

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH)

Helps girls ages 5-17 build strong self-esteem and learn skills such as teamwork, respect for the environment, STEAM and arts appreciation, financial literacy, and advocacy. Programs include regular events, after school programs, summer camps, and service project opportunities. High schoolers can experience leadership development, explore career opportunities, and apply for college scholarships. Girls can register as part of a troop or individually. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders or seasonally. Membership dues are low-cost and are paid annually.
Girls Scouts Ohio: gsoh.org
Girl Scouts National: girlscouts.org

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

Jordan’s Crossing Resource Center

Faith-based organization serving those struggling with homelessness and/or substance use on the west side of Columbus. Food services include daily lunches, a weekly community meal, and the Fresh Food Market. They also provide access to housing specialists, Narcan, sobriety mentoring, panhandling diversion, and treatment program referrals.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 564-9616
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org

Make-A-Day

Offers free services and events to empower and uplift the Central Ohio community. They host free pop-up events at various locations in Columbus with housing resources, meals, haircuts, and other services in a bloc-party environment. Visit their upcoming events page on the website to find their next pop-up. Housing problem-solving and rent assistance services are available on a limited basis. Applications open on the website once per week for appointments. They also offer mobile outreach services and educational workshops for Columbus residents.
makeaday.fun

MASH (Military and Service Heroes) Pantry & Resource Center

Offers a food pantry and resources for veterans, service members, and military families. There are no income or zip code restrictions, but photo ID and military ID are required. Guests may visit the pantry once per month, no appointment needed. They also offer warm clothing items in the winter, holiday meal bags, and free Christmas shop. Additional programs include support groups, honor gardens, social gatherings, and connection to community resources.

  • Grove City: 2996 Columbus Street, Grove City, Ohio 43123
  • Delaware: 562 Pennsylvania Avenue, Delaware, Ohio 43123

(614) 522-1555
mashpantry.org/services

Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State (MOM @CState)

A resource for students and community members to access free, fresh, and shelf-stable food on a regular basis. Shoppers must be income eligible, at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. There is no limit to how many times per month eligible shoppers can visit the Market.  Volunteers are welcome. Visit the website for additional information.
400 Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
cscc.edu/services/mid-ohio-market/index.shtml

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Teen Volunteering

Teens can volunteer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Main Campus to complete meaningful tasks under the supervision of hospital staff, create meaningful relationships, and experience the pediatric hospital setting. Teens must be 15, enrolled in high school, and be able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule during the school year. Spots are limited, teens must apply in the spring/summer season and complete and interview to be considered.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-3635
nationwidechildrens.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteering/teen-volunteers
Volunteering for Groups, Adults, and More: nationwidechildrens.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteering

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

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

Our Helpers

An immigrant and women-led non-profit improving the lives of immigrant and refugee families in Franklin County. Services for adults include case management/eviction prevention, ESL/ESOL classes, and mental health first aid classes. The food pantry/Community Free Store is available for income-eligible families by appointment only, call to make an appointment. Youth programs include free summer camp opportunities, and Our Light Program for boys ages 17-22. The organization also accepts volunteers.
2021 East Dublin Granville Road, Suite 197, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 733-9555
ourhelpers.org

Pilot Dogs

Provides free, expertly trained service dogs for Blind individuals ages 16 and up. The Orientation & Mobility program is for Blind individuals looking to improve white cane and traveling skills. They also have many opportunities for volunteers, including Co-Pilots who volunteer to raise puppies until they are ready for advanced training. Find program details and apply for a Pilot Dog online.
625 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6367
pilotdogs.org

Reaching for the Shining Starz

A survivor-led organization helping women caught in human trafficking, addiction, and homelessness. Each Sunday, their volunteers provide hygiene bags, meals, and clothing to women on Sullivant Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Go online to contact the organization, donate money or supplies, or sign up to volunteer.
PO Box 23402, Columbus, Ohio 43222
theshiningstarz.org

See Kids Dream

Offers free service learning programs to schools with students ages 8 to 14 years old and through family programs for youth ages 5 to 14 years old. Their programs provide positive outcomes for students in areas of critical thinking, research and observation skills, civic engagement, leadership and teamwork.
Physical Address: 16 Orchard Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43214
Mailing Address: PO Box 341645, Columbus, Ohio 43234
(614) 429-3244
seekidsdream.org

Seeds of Caring

Teaches and inspires kids to engage in service, social action, and community-building. They partner with local non-profits to provide free or low-cost monthly service projects, learning opportunities, and family events. They host in-person events as well as Anywhere Projects for families to complete at home. Kindness Corps is an in-school program for grades 2-4, interested educators can sign up  for an educator training session. Visit their website to register for an upcoming project, event, or training.
355 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 219-9467
seedsofcaring.org/columbus

Seven Baskets Community Development Corporation

Faith-based organization that partners with Columbus City Schools to provide homework help, after-school programs, and summer day camps for elementary students at Leawood, Lindbergh, Scottwood, and Shady Lane. They also host community fellowship at their community house. They accept volunteers and donations of food or school supplies to support their programs.
Community House: 1635 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 65, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 406-2548
seven-baskets.org

Simply Living – Sustainability & Healthy Lifestyle Resources

Provides learning opportunities and resources to promote community wellness, environmental sustainability, and conscious consumer culture. Use their directory to find locally-owned and sustainable restaurants, retailers, refilleries, wellness services, and more. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, and mindfulness. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
‪659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296‬‬
Business Directory: directory.simplyliving.org
Main Website: simplyliving.org

SOAR Initiative

SOAR (Safety, Outreach, Autonomy, Respect) builds healthy communities for people who use drugs through harm reduction strategies. They operate an alerts network across the state of Ohio. Sign up by text to receive an alert when a spike in overdoses or dangerous drugs (Bad Batch Alert) are found in your area. The website also has a resource map for Central Ohio and information on where to get free Narcan/Naloxone and drug testing strips. Support their work by volunteering or making a financial donation.
10 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Text ‘SOAR’ for Overdose Surge and Deadly Batch Alerts in Central Ohio: (614) 768-7627
thesoarinitiative.org
facebook.com/thesoarinitiative

St. John’s Episcopal Church

Church serving the Franklinton community of Columbus. The Street Church program gathers in the parking lot of PNC Bank at the corner of Broad Street and Central Ave at 1PM for every Sunday for a prayer service and free meal. Jericho’s Light Club offers free meals inside the church each Friday and Saturday evening. Volunteers and donations are welcome.
1003 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 221-9328
st-johns-columbus.org/resources

St. Stephen’s Community House

Faith-based community center offering a range of services for the Linden-area community. Volunteer opportunities are available for those over the age of 14. Programs include:

  • Mid-Ohio Market: Choice pantry for Franklin County residents. Shop once a week for all pantry items, or daily for fresh produce.
    (614) 338-8220
  • Youth Services: Childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, STEAM after school program for K-6 at participating elementary schools, free Summer STEAM Camp for grades 1-8, and Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) for ages 16-24 to receive help with employment and case management services. They offer a Kinship Aftercare program and Family to Family empowerment program for families referred by FCCS.
  • Senior Services: free lunch program, small group transportation, and case management.
  • Rent & Utility Assistance: Offers financial assistance as funds are available for those in zip codes 43081, 43201, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43211, 43219, 43224. Applicants must apply in-person, be income eligible, and provide required paperwork. Visit the website for full eligibility details. If funds are not available, a housing specialist may be available to help problem solve.
  • Christmas Cares: Offers help with food and toys for Franklin County residents each year. Families must register in advance and provide required documentation.

1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org

The Columbus Foundation

A philanthropic organization working to fund non-profits, arts programs, and other community initiatives. Individuals and organizations can use their website to apply for grants, small business funds, and a scholarship directory for high school and college students. They also offer a fellowship program for college students. Go online to find details and apply.
1234 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
(614) 251-4000
columbusfoundation.org/students/scholarships

TriVillage Mentor League (TVML)

Non-profit offering school-based mentoring to youth in grades K-3 at Stevenson Elementary in Grandview Heights and Greensview Elementary in Upper Arlington. The weekly program is run by their Mentoring Coordinator and volunteer teenage mentors. TVML awards two college scholarships each year to volunteer mentors who are graduating seniors from Grandview and Upper Arlington.
3600 Tremont Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 255-7942
tvml.org

Volunteer Match

Find volunteer opportunities in and around Columbus with this website. Local non-profit organizations list their volunteer opportunities, ranging from one-time events to ongoing volunteer positions.
volunteermatch.org

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