The holidays are a time for giving, and we invite you to be part of something special. Whether you can donate your time, talents, or resources, your involvement in the human services sector this season will make a significant difference. Join us for food, gift, and resource drives, fundraisers, events, and volunteer opportunities for all ages to spread holiday cheer.
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Holiday Gift and Food Drives
Advocating Opportunity
Gift Drive Happy Hour
We are accepting new, unwrapped gifts (toys, self-care items, games, art supplies, beauty products, etc) for survivors of human trafficking and their families. You can drop gifts at Seventh Son Brewing at any time, and on 12/12/24 from 5-8 we are hosting a happy hour at Seventh Son. For any gift donation received during the happy hour, you can enter to win a Seventh Son gift package valued at $50. For questions, please reach out to DH@advocatingopportunity.com.
Central Community House
Holiday Food Drive
Help Central Community House distribute over 250 baskets to families in our community on November 25th & December 20! Drop off donations to 1150 E. Main St., Organize a drive at your office, church, etc, or follow the link to send items directly to Central through their Amazon Wish List. Items Needed: Dressing/Stuffing Mix, Gravy, Mac & Cheese, Canned Vegetables (Corn, Green Beans, Yams), Cornbread Mix, Cake Mix & Frosting, Turkeys, and Hams.
Family Gift Program
Make the holidays brighter for our neighbors and match with a family. Matches will be provided to you the week of November 25th to allow you an adequate amount of time to gather gifts. Gifts should be delivered to Central Community House by December 13th at the latest.
Register for our family gift program here.
Children’s Hunger Alliance
Full Plates, Full Hearts: Together, we can end childhood hunger in Ohio
Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 2024
Donate today to help Ohio’s kids get nutritious food to eat every day of the week, all year long. At Children’s Hunger Alliance, we provide food and nutrition education directly to children wherever they are. This year alone, we’ve supplied over 10 million meals to children in urban and rural communities across Ohio. With your donations, we can keep filling kids’ plates so they can fully thrive. Donate today!
Columbus Food Rescue – Local Matters
Holiday Gift and Food Drive
CFR is conducting two end-of-year drives: a holiday gift drive and a food drive, now through December 20th. We are collecting gifts for kids whose families may not be eligible for other toy drives because of ID, age, or other limitations. New and gently used toys are fine—for all genders and ages of kiddo—unwrapped. We also have a pantry staple drive to collect items that are not often found in food pantries, such as cooking oil, flour, and sugar. All items can be brought to the Local Matters office by December 20th
Freedom A La Cart
Adopt a Family
Your kindness can impact a mother and her children. By adopting a family, you’ll have the opportunity to provide gifts from their wishlists, creating joyful moments that will be cherished for years to come. You can Adopt a Family here.
Holiday Bags
Freedom A La Cart creates special holiday bags filled with essentials and treats for their Butterflies and CATCH participants. They’re collecting cozy socks, personal care items, small treats, and gift cards to remind the women they serve that they are seen and valued. Every contribution helps make the season brighter for someone on their journey of freedom and self-sufficiency. If you would like to help them get supplies for these holiday bags, you can view their wishlist here.
Home for Families
Family Sponsor Program
As a Family Sponsor, you can bring joy to a family struggling with housing instability by removing the added stress associated with the cost of gift-giving. Home for Families supplies you with a packet of information that includes a child’s holiday wishlist of their top three gifts of choice, and they’ll leave the shopping up to you. It’s an easy, meaningful, and fun way to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Please sign up and make the holiday season bright for a family in need.
Highland Youth Garden
Thanksgiving Market
Highland Youth Garden’s annual Thanksgiving Market is on Saturday, November 23rd, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 85 S Highland Ave. They will be distributing fresh produce and shelf-stable goods to the community. Looking for ways to help? You can contribute by donating shelf-stable items! Drop your donations at the HYG Garden House, located at 106 S Wheatland Ave, Columbus, OH 43204 (please leave items on the back porch). No RSVP is necessary. All are welcome. Questions? Please email info@highlandyouthgarden.org.
Huckleberry House
Holiday Gift Drive
Adopt a young person this holiday season to spread holiday cheer throughout Huckleberry House! Using their preference and needs list, shop for a young person (valued gifts not to exceed $100 each) and bring to one of our two gift drop-offs: Thursday, December 12 (4:30 – 7:00pm) OR Saturday, December 14 (9:30am – Noon). Learn more and Sign-Up here.
Cookie Drive!
Cookies to be dropped off on December 9. On 10 and 11, we will do Cookie Walks at Kenmore Square and Marsh Brooke Place for young people to fill tins with delicious cookies to enjoy and share during the holidays! Learn more and Sign Up here.
Jewish Family Services
Adopt-a-Family
Jumpstart your holiday spirit with this gift donation drive help to help clients in need celebrate December holidays and the new year. The program supports families of all religious backgrounds. Last year with community support, JFS helped over 100 families. Gift collection runs through December 6, 2024. If interested, contact jcohen@jfscolumbus.org.
LifeCare Alliance
Holiday Gift Program
This year, you can help us bring a bit of holiday magic to those who need it most. At LifeCare Alliance, we provide essential services throughout the year, including home-delivered meals, mammograms, cancer screenings, arthritis support, diabetes education, and more. As we enter the holiday season, we would love to add an extra touch of cheer for our clients. Will you join us in making this possible? Here are several ways you or your group can contribute:
- Donate Gift Cards: Gift cards from Kroger, Walmart, Target, Meijer, and Speedway in $25 and $50 amounts are always appreciated.
- Choose from Our Amazon Wish List: Select items to mail directly to our office to include in our holiday bags. Amazon Holiday Wishlist
- Sponsor a Family or Individual: Provide a personalized gift package.
To get involved, please complete our sign-up form and someone from the Holiday Gift Program will respond as soon as we are able.
Lutheran Social Services
12 Days of Christmas
Our 12 Days of Christmas wish lists are filled with our top most needed items that will bring comfort and joy to our shelter residents as part of our annual 12 Days of Christmas. Choose one or more days to support residents in shelter. The more, the merrier!
Make-A-Day
Make-A-Day Coat Drive
Make A Day is collecting new or gently used coats and other winter necessities to give to guests at their Holiday Pop-up. They will be taking donations from through November 26. For those who have been to their office before, you can drop off donations at any time during business hours. For those who haven’t been to the office, email amanda@makeaday.fun to set up a time to drop items off.
Mental Health America of Ohio
Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Gift Drive
Since MHAOhio was founded in 1965, they have been collecting gifts for Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (formerly Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare) patients who will be spending the holidays in the hospital. If you’d like to participate in this gift drive, you can send your gift through their Amazon Wishlist.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Holiday Meals Campaign
Embrace the Holiday spirit of giving. The Holiday Meals campaign empowers our community to raise vital funds for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, helping us acquire and distribute the foods that make the holiday season special. Whether you’re organizing a virtual food drive at work, engaging your customers, or making a personal donation, your support makes a real difference. For more information visit their website.
NSI Food Pantry
Christmas Toy Adoption
NSI is collecting Christmas lists from children in our community, ages 0-12. You can “adopt” a wishlist and shop for gifts. Email Marcia at mray@nsifoodpantry.org to receive a wishlist. Drop off gifts to NSI by Friday, December 6.
OhioGuidestone
Holiday Shops
OhioGuidestone’s Holiday Shops are a great way to support the people they serve during the
holidays. Their caregivers visit the shops and select donated items to give to their clients during the holiday season. In addition to the annual shop in Cleveland, they’re hosting two new shops in the Columbus and Toledo areas. Gifts for all ages are desired, and monetary donations are
welcomed so staff members can purchase specific items of need. Email donations@ohioguidestone.org to learn about drop-off dates and locations.
Seeds of Caring
Holiday Gift Assembly and Toy Drive | December 15 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Holidays are a great time for families to create special memories. But, some families don’t have enough money to pay for extras like toys and treats even though they are working hard. Seeds of Caring is partnering with Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC) to help families in our community have a joyous holiday. Kind kids will explore hunger and resource insecurity and put their helping hands to work in the food pantry. Before the event, kids are encouraged to complete a donation drive for new toys. Non-perishable food donations are also welcomed and appreciated. Click here to learn more.
Star House
Annual Holiday Gift Drive
This holiday season, join Star House and bring joy to young people, aged 14-24, who are experiencing homelessness. With your support, we can provide each youth with a holiday gift and a gift card to make their holiday season brighter. Together, let’s bring warmth and kindness to young lives who are facing the season without the comfort of family and home. To make a difference, donate on Amazon through December 25.
Student Success Stores
Spirit of Giving
During the months of November and December, students in Columbus City Schools and Whitehall City Schools experience two separate holiday breaks. Student Success Stores staff will work with school staff and administration to provide enough meal servings to support families during those breaks. Visit their Amazon Wishlist to donate today.
Volunteers of America
Season of Sharing
Share your light and help local veterans this holiday season. During Volunteers of America’s Season of Sharing you can share the holiday spirit with those in your own community especially with our nation’s heroes. Many of the veterans we serve come off the street without the basic supplies that we take for granted. You can do your part to help veterans in your community by shopping our Amazon Wish List.
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Fundraisers
At Home by High
Bakes & Brews | December 11 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Join At Home by High for their annual fundraiser at Seventh Son Brewing. There will be baked goods and holiday items for sale. All proceeds go towards community services supporting older adults. To learn more about At Home by High, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok (@athomebyhigh) or visit our website (athomebyhigh.org).
Homeport
Winter Wonderland
For many families, the holiday season is a time of higher costs – and in turn, stress. Utility bills surge, many traditions involve buying presents, and children grow every year, making the task of providing clothes for the cold weather an annual expense. We’re starting this effort at Emerald Glen, which 335 residents and 179 children call home. Along with providing a warm winter coat, our goal is to throw a festive Winter Wonderland bash, a gathering for families to enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and pick up a turkey or ham for their holiday dinner. We’ll host Winter Wonderland on December 6, and for this event to be a success, we need your support. Our team can buy items in bulk, meaning your donation goes further with Homeport. Donate Here.
Freedom A La Cart
Cause Cookies
With every $25 donation, you’ll receive a dozen housemade favorites – Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti, Praline Chocolate Truffles, Gingersnaps, Orange Clove Spritz, and a note of thanks.
But the real sweetness? Your support fuels life-changing opportunities for survivors of human trafficking, like job training, safe housing, and the wraparound support survivors need to rebuild their lives, helping them on their path to freedom and self-sufficiency. If you’re looking for a sweet way to make a difference this season, this is it! You can order your Cause Cookies here.
Ohio Victim Witness Association
Giving Tuesday
The Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA) is a leader for Ohio’s crime victim advocates and allied professionals, and an advocate for the field of victim’s services. They are asking for your support as they work to save the future of victim’s services in Ohio. Since 2018, Ohio’s share of federal VOCA dollars has dwindled by 77%. They have already witnessed the closure of essential organizations, and today most programs are doing more with less. Victims of crime deserve access to holistic victim services that allow them to pursue justice, seek restitution, and restore a sense of safety. When you give, you join their mission of providing advocates and allied professionals with the tools and resources to provide ethical, empowering, and impactful services to Ohio’s victims and survivors of crime. To make your Giving Tuesday donation, visit their website OR give through their Facebook campaign.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Double Your Donation Day | December 11
Normally, for every $1 donated, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective can provide enough food for up to 2.5 meals. On Wednesday, December 11th, thanks to generous match sponsors, every dollar donated will be matched and help provide enough food for up to 5 meals! You can make your gift online, over the phone, or by mail. On December 11th, you can go online and make a gift at www.mofc.org or call their phonebank (614-896-3933) to make a donation and have it matched by their amazing sponsors. Check them out on NBC4 from 5:00 AM -11:30 PM.
Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Inc.
Join us this Season of Giving in creating welcoming, therapeutic spaces for our clients by donating towards tools that foster healing and growth. Every contribution helps us purchase essential therapeutic tools such as sensory items, art supplies, and relaxation aids that our clinicians use daily to support clients on their wellness journeys. Items from our Wish List can be purchased and monetary donations can be made through Zeffy.
Star House
Wild Cat Gift and Party
Every Tuesday in November is “Giving Tuesday” at Wild Cat Gift and Party! When you mention Star House at checkout, 15% of your purchase will be donated to support the organization. Shopping online? Just mention Star House in your order notes, and we’ll donate 15% of your total. Shop, give, and make a difference!
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Events
Community Development for All People
Annual Celebration | November 21 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Stecker Auditorium
555 S.18th St. Columbus OH 43206
Ethiopian Tawhedo Social Services
International Volunteer Day | December 5 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Join ETSS for an afternoon of light refreshments as they honor their incredible volunteers’ dedication and hard work. They will also present the prestigious Paige Chapman Layland Award to this year’s Volunteer of the Year in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment.
Whether you’re a current volunteer, a supporter, or simply someone who appreciates the power of giving back, this is an opportunity to come together, share stories, and celebrate the impact volunteers have made throughout the year.
Families Flourish
Power of Opportunity | December 4 | 5:30-7:30 PM
This year’s theme is Driven to Succeed, and Families Flourish will be putting a special spotlight on families who create businesses to supplement their income. NBC’s Colleen Marshall will once again emcee the event and interview some of their budding entrepreneurs about their journey. To inspire those moms and dads, Families Flourish has invited Ella Williams – creator of Posh Tea Time – to be the keynote. Ella knows what it means to put a dream in motion while still working a 40-hour week. This year’s Steve Heiser Award winners are Bobbie & Alan Weiler, who have been volunteers and donors since the beginning; and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, whose Bigs play a key role in so many of their Littles’ lives.
Green Columbus
November Green Drinks — Holiday Market! | November 21 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Join Green Columbus for their holiday market! They will be hosting a wide variety of vendors, whom create their goods with intentionally-sourced materials.
Huckleberry House
Light Up the House | December 8
Join Huckleberry House for their annual holiday celebration to Light Up the House! This year, they are highlighting the foundational services that provide stability, opportunity, and hope for youth and families in crisis in our community. These services are the building blocks of success and a life of independence. Join for an enchanting evening filled with delightful music, delectable cookies and hot cocoa, a breathtaking display of holiday lights, and wonderful fellowship with supporters and friends of Huckleberry House! Although this is a free event, registration is requested. In support of the holiday festivities at Huckleberry House, we kindly ask attendees to donate $10-$15 gift cards (such as Visa, gas, groceries, or Amazon) or to make a contribution of the same amount.
Jewish Family Services
Give Your Mind a REST Giving Tuesday Event | December 3 | 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Join Jewish Family Services for a virtual mindfulness event where we will unwind, relax, and refocus together. Admission is $3 and all proceeds support our Pass It On Program.
Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Inc.
Give Your Mind a REST | December 3 | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
This virtual event features a mind, body, and breath practice that can help to unwind, relax, and refocus during this busy season. together. Admission is $3 and all proceeds support our Pass It On Program.
Zora’s House
Women of Color Owned Holiday Market | December 14 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Zora’s House (1393 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201)
This holiday season, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the dopest women of color artisans in Columbus! Hosted by Zora’s House, the annual Women Of Color Owned (WoCO) Holiday Market will feature products created by women+ of color artists and entrepreneurs. From jewelry to candles to clothing and everything in between!
Columbus Speech & Hearing
Silent Disco | December 7 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
As part of the Columbus Speech & Hearing family, we’re inviting you to a special new fundraising event: The Silent Disco with Santa on Saturday Dec. 7 from 1 to 4p at Bishop Watterson High School in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus! This sensory-friendly dance party will include an opportunity to fundraise online with us to help other families facing communication disorders.
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Volunteer
Huckleberry House
Christmas Day Meals
Bring holiday cheer to young people by providing a Christmas Day meal! Whether you make and serve the meal or order it, your support will ensure our youth enjoy a well-balanced Christmas meal. If you’re interested, please contact Carol at cargiro@huck-house.org.
LifeCare Alliance
Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
This holiday season, start a new family tradition and deliver a Meals-on-Wheels route together. What greater way to celebrate the season of giving? If you’re a new volunteer, please start here: Volunteer Application. If you’re a returning volunteer, please consider incorporating Meals-on-Wheels delivery into your plans for the upcoming holiday. Sign up here for holiday Meals-on-Wheels deliveries:
Make A Day
Holiday Pop-Up event | December 2 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This is an outreach event for those experiencing homelessness and unstable housing in Columbus. Make A Day provides a free meal, haircut and connection to community partners to their guests. To register as a community partner, contact amanda@makeaday.fun. To volunteer, sign-up using this link.
Seeds of Caring
Holiday Empowerment Kits For LGBTQIA+ Youth | December 16 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Together, we will create a kinder community by learning how to be an ally for those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We will talk about what it means to be an ally, what it means to be a bystander, and how we can show our support and encourage LGBTQIA+ youth who are struggling, specifically those who visit the Kaleidoscope Youth Center. Activities will include discussion, interactive games, and creating holiday encouragement kits for the youth at Kaleidoscope. Join us for a festive and meaningful event! Every child deserves to experience the joys and treats of the holiday season.
Changing the Story One Outfit at a Time | December 10 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Access to appropriate clothing impacts a child’s attendance and performance at school. Join us as we partner with Charity Newsies to fold, organize, sort, and count clothing items to help ensure every child has a good school year.
St. Stephen’s Community House
Christmas Cares, Unions Share
Join us for the 70th Year of Christmas Cares, Unions Share: providing food for 3,000 families across Franklin County this holiday season. Food will be distributed on the following days:
- Friday, December 20th
- Saturday, December 21st
- Sunday, December 22nd
The Center for Healthy Families
Holiday Help | December 22
Every year, Holiday Help brings together community advocates and dedicated volunteers who stand united to create a lifeline for more than 200 families. It is a day that embodies the spirit of giving and reminds us of what can be achieved when we come together. We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, December 22, for our 16th Annual Holiday Help. We will come together to bring warmth, compassion, and support to families who need it most during this season. Join more than 100 volunteers as they lend a hand to sort, pack, load, distribute, and deliver food, and holiday joy. If you’re interested in joining this effort, please email us at events@centerforhealthyfamilies.org.
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