Written by Conscious Community Collectives has paired up with our friends at CAP4Kids and Macaroni Kid of NW Columbus to compile the ultimate list for Central Ohio resources, meals, holiday help, local volunteer opportunities and food and toy drives.
We all have common missions; to connect Central Ohioans with resources and events that will benefit them and help make their lives better and easier. This year, we put our heads together to bring you the ultimate list of resources. Email [email protected] to have your event added!
THANKSGIVING MEAL DONATIONS
Clintonville Community Resources Center – Thanksgiving Food Items
Accepting Thanksgiving Food Items November 19-22. Donations can be dropped off in person. Click the link for details.
3222 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43202
clintonvillecrc.org/2024-holiday-opportunities
Central Community House – Holiday Food Drive
Accepting food donations now thru December 13 for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. Donations can be dropped off in person.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205
Food Drive Flyer
More information on Central Community House
Byron Sanders Foundation
Delaware, Franklin, Knox, Richland, Union Counties
Meal in a Box, request online
Volunteer, collect, hold a food drive, deliver
thebyronsandersfoundation.org
TOY & COAT DRIVES
HALT Violence – Coat Drive
Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 24
Drop off new or gently used coats to help someone stay warm this winter. Coats can be dropped off at either HALT Violence location:
2360 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43204 or
923 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
More information on HALT Violence: cap4kids.org/columbus/halt-violence
Coats For Kids – Coat Drive
NOW thru Saturday, Nov. 23
Drop off or gently used winter coats at any Swan Cleaner’s location or at St. Stephen’s Community House to help keep children warm this year.
Event flyer
More information on St. Stephen’s
Clintonville Community Resources Center – Toy Donations
Accepting new and unwrapped toys Dec. 3-14. Donations can be dropped off in person. Click the link for details.
3222 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43202
clintonvillecrc.org/2024-holiday-opportunities
Firefighters 4 Kids – Toy Donations
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9AM-3PM
Accepting toys for kids ages 0-12. Visit the website for a list of drop-0ff locations. They also accept financial donations.
Franklin County Children’s Services- Holiday Wish
NOW thru Friday, Dec. 20
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Choose between donating new toys from a child’s wish-list, shopping the Amazon Gift List, or financially sponsoring a child this year. Visit the website for in-person donation hours.
Victory Ministries – Toy, Food, or Monetary Donations
Happening NOW!
3964 East Main Street, Whitehall, OH 43213
Shop and drop-off new toys, shop the Amazon Wish List, donate food items, or make a monetary donation.
Carly’s Annual Sock Drive
November 1 – December 1, 2024
In memory of Carly Fleming, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident on Christmas Eve 2020, her family is upholding her legacy of compassion by collecting socks to provide to homeless individuals. The goal is to share the warmth of the holiday season with individuals experiencing homelessness and carry forward Carly’s spirit of generosity. Residents can donate new socks of any size, and these contributions will be delivered to The Open Shelter, extending a helping hand to those in need. Drop boxes are located at Plain City Lanes, Plain City Municipal Building (Lobby), Hair Loft 120, Main Street Nails, and Jonathan Alder Junior and Senior High Schools.
WHERE TO DONATE OR SHOP
Buckeye Ranch – Hope for the Holidays Program
Sign up NOW thru Monday, Dec. 2
Help provide a hopeful holiday for youth and families receiving support at The Buckeye Ranch. Donors can sign up to be matched to a family and shop their wish-list. Donors can also shop The Buckeye Ranch Amazon Wishlist or give a monetary donation.
buckeyeranch.org/get-involved/hope-for-the-holidays
Central Community House – Family Gift Program
Apply Now! Matches will be provided the week of November 25th.
Complete the registration form to be matched to a family, then shop for holiday gifts. Gifts should be delivered in person by December 13th.
Click Here for the Family Gift Registration Form.
More information on Central Community House
Columbus Winterfair
Dec. 6-8, Various Times
Shop the annual fine art and craft fair to find unique gifts and support local artists. Tickets are required but prices are affordable.
winterfair.org
Columbus Recreation & Parks – Adopt A Center
Shop the Amazon Wishlist or give a financial donation to help provide food and toys for families at Columbus Community Centers this year.
crpfoundation.org/adoptacenter
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Shop their wish-lists, donate household items, or make a financial donation to support our refugee and immigrant neighbors here in Central Ohio.
crisohio.org/donation-items
Furniture Bank of Ohio – Adopt A Family
Consider giving to this charitable organization to help families impacted by life crises gain stability and hope through free essential furniture.
Adopt A Family information
More information on Furniture Bank of Ohio
Golden Hobby Gift Shop
Shop handmade goods made by Columbus-area seniors and volunteers.
columbusrecparks.com/facilities/goldenhobbygiftshop
Huckleberry House – Multiple Opportunities
Support this important youth shelter this holiday season by participating in the Holiday Gift Drive, donating cookies, or shopping their Gift Bag Amazon Wishlist.
Monday, Dec. 9 Holiday Cookie Drive
Thursday, Dec. 12 Holiday Gift Drive
Crisis & Outreach Gift Bag Amazon Wishlist
More information on Huckleberry House
Moms2B Seeking Donations
Donation Information
More information on Moms2B
Neighborhood Bridges
This platform helps match families in need to those able to help. Visit the website and browse through the “Open Needs” in suburbs across Ohio. If you can help, simply fill out the form on the website to get started.
One Warm Coat
This national organization helps people and organizations hold coat drives and donate coats. Visit the website and use the searchable map to find a coat drive near you to donate to, or for resources on hosting your own coat drive.
(877) 663-9276
onewarmcoat.org
Conscious Community Collectives toy drive for Alicia’s Closet for local foster children
Now until December 6
Join us in our toy drive to collect toys and other items for our area foster youth.
Rides 4 Refugees
This organization supports the Central Ohio refugee community through vehicle ownership and transportation resources. Consider donating your vehicle or making a financial donation this holiday season.
rides4refugees.us
Santa for Seniors
Santa for Seniors is back to spread holiday cheer! Donations are being accepted for gift baskets to bring joy to local senior citizens. Suggested items include body lotion, tissues, hand soap, non-slip fuzzy socks, blank note cards, individually-wrapped candies, and chapstick. Additional suggestions: cozy blankets, crossword puzzle books, coloring books, and stamps. For questions, contact Amy Dobbelaere at [email protected].
Let the Light In- Candle Making Fundraiser
Tues, Dec 3 at Gidgets Garden and Event Center to benefit pregnancy and infant loss locally. thechandler.co/event-details/let-the-light-in-candlemaking-fundraiser
DNA of Plain City – Seasonal Giving
Embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season by supporting The D.N.A. Community Center, a non-profit, faith-based organization committed to meeting the needs of Plain City and neighboring areas. Residents are invited to make a difference by providing toys, food donations, or monetary gifts. Donations will directly support those in need within our community. To contribute or learn more, reach out to The D.N.A. Community Center by calling 614-264-5591 or by clicking here.
NC4K
No kids fight cancer alone. Support local childhood cancer families by adopting them for the holidays!
nc4k.org/holiday
Common Ground Free Store
Miracle on Williams Street- annual gift-giving event. Donate or Receive
Thurs, Dec 5 – 5:00-8:00pm
Friday, Dec 6 – 4:00-8:00pm
Read more or access the Amazon Wishlist
Andrews House
Christmas Cupboard Fundraiser- Sat, Dec 7 9:00-1:00
andrewshouse.org
Turning Point 6
2024 Holiday Giving Program to benefit local survivors of domestic abuse.
Gift cards or gifts or monetary donations accepted. Each child in their services will receive a gift. Please donate via mail to Turning Point’s Holiday Giving Program, P.O. Box 875, Marion, OH 43301-0875) or online at turningpoint6.org/get-involved/#donate. Be sure to include “Holiday Giving” in the memo line.
Donation Deadline: Friday, December 6, 2024
For any questions about the Holiday Giving Program, please reach out to:
Kayla at [email protected]
Jenise at [email protected]
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
FACCES Fresh Market – Bimonthly Volunteering
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, Multiple PM shifts
2505 Lockbourne Road Columbus, OH 43207
eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-at-the-facces-fresh-market-tickets-630317254877
614 Youth Prevention Agency
Seeking volunteers year-round and for their annual Holiday Toy Giveaway Event. Call or email the organization directly to get started.
(380) 867-4260
[email protected]
sites.google.com/view/614youthpreventionagency
Alicia’s Closet
Seeking volunteers year-round for free store, donations
aliciasclosetcolumbus.org
[email protected]
614-398-2203
Columbus Cake Celebrations
Provides free cakes and cupcakes for families in Columbus to celebrate their child’s birthday, because every child deserves a birthday cake. All cakes are provided through volunteers. They make it easy to volunteer– simply visit the website to sign up to bake, buy, or deliver cakes.
columbuscakecelebrations.com
Columbus Dream Center
Seeking volunteers to serve meals and deliver meal baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Visit the website to sign up or to give a monetary donation.
38 West Greenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 547-3138
cap4kids.org/columbus/columbus-dream-center
Community Development 4 All People
Multiple opportunities for groups or individuals to serve at their Free Store, Fresh Market, Bikes 4 All People, and more.
Volunteer Contact Information
Group Volunteer Registration Form
More Information on CD4AP
Local Matters
Multiple opportunities including; meal prep, writing thank you notes, hosting holiday tours, and more.
Volunteer Sign-Up
More About Local Matters
Seeds of Caring – Multiple Opportunities for Kids & Families
Get the kids involved in your holiday giving through one of the many opportunities available with Seeds of Caring. Some opportunities are in-person, and others you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Upcoming opportunities
More information on Seeds of Caring
St. Stephen’s – Christmas Cares
Sign up online to volunteer. Volunteers must be ages 12+. Those who can’t volunteer can donate online for the Virtual Food Drive.
saintstephensch.org/christmas-cares
Victory Ministries – Serving Opportunities
Multiple dates/opportunities to volunteer for individuals or groups ages 12+. Sign up to help pack or distribute holiday food boxes. Those who can’t volunteer can also donate food items or toys.
3964 East Main Street, Whitehall, OH 43213
victorycoh.org/christmas
FREE HOLIDAY RESOURCES
CAP4Kids Holiday Help Link cap4kids.org/columbus/holiday-help-november
This list includes where to get free holiday meals, toys, and other holiday essentials.
Various Free Clothing, Hygiene Items, Homegoods: cap4kids.org/columbus/home-goods
Food Help: cap4kids.org/columbus/food
Housing & Utility Help: cap4kids.org/columbus/housing
Baby Supplies & Clothing: cap4kids.org/columbus/pregnancy-resources-and-infants/baby-supplies-and-clothing
Healthcare & Prescription Help: cap4kids.org/columbus/health-care-insurance
Bloom Free Store
Free diapers and items for children under 3 years old.
cap4kids.org/columbus/bloom-free-store
Salvation Army: Christmas Cheer Toy & Food Program
NOW thru Wednesday, Dec. 4
Multiple Locations, see flyer here
Applications are open for families to receive Christmas toys for children 14 years old and younger, and a Christmas Food box. Families must apply in-person at one of the locations/times indicated on the flyer. No appointment is necessary, but photo ID for Head of Household and Proof of Dependents documentation is required.
easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/cheer
Dublin Food Pantry
People in Need of Delaware County
Emergency services, food pantry, school shoes, etc.
delawarepeopleinneed.org
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Click over to Macaroni Kid NW Columbus to see a Master List of Central Ohio Holiday Events.
Thank you for your time, generosity and exploration of our great city this holiday season!
If we can be of service to you and your family, please reach out to us:
CAP4kids Columbus Family Activities Page
CAP4Kids Columbus Home Page
Macaroni Kid of NW Columbus
[email protected]
Conscious Community Collectives
[email protected]
614-315-1851
