25 days of volunteering in Columbus
It’s easy to get wrapped up—literally— in our own affairs and those of our loved ones during the holiday season, but it’s more important now than ever to think outside of yourself your circle.
During this time of giving, consider giving some of your time to those less fortunate in our community.
Here are some events (courtesy of Columbus Gives Back) this month to get out and give back.
Deck the Halls with Faith Mission
Our volunteers will be wrapping gifts for clients and decorating the building for the holidays.
Special Olympics Ohio – State Swim Meet
December 1- 3 @Ohio State University
Volunteers are needed for Special Olympics Ohio’s State Swim Meet. Come support athletes as they compete! Volunteer will escort athletes, keep time, and assist with other tasks.
Package Meals for Meals on Wheels at LifeCare Alliance
December 3 from 5:30 – 7:30pm @LifeCafe Alliance
Volunteers will be working on the meal packaging assembly line for older adults and chronically ill persons who are unable to provide meals for themselves.
Blankets & Brews with My Very Own Blanket
Volunteers will be heading to the My Very Own Blanket headquarters to sip on drinks while you make a blanket for a child in foster care. This event is BYOB.
Help Registers Shoppers for Firefighters for Kids
Vlunteers will check their IDs, log them into a computer website and print out a receipt with a time for them to visit a warehouse to “shop” for toys for each child.
Science Night for the YMCA Van Buren Shelter
Volunteers at a STEM-themed activity night for the youth at the YMCA Van Buren Shelter.
Volunteer for St. Jude Kids Radiothon
Volunteer for Project: See Kids Dream
Volunteers will be making a blanket as a gift that will be donated to those in our community who could use a sentiment of warmth and kindness from a caring family.
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore NORTH
December 8 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm @Habitat Restore – NORTH
This is an indoor opportunity, where your valuable time will be used to help sort, organize, and display building materials, furniture, and household fixtures donated to ReStore.
Volunteer for the Santa Speedo Dash
Volunteer at Ganthers Place Lighting of the Luminaries
December 8 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm @Ganthers Place
Volunteers will help with a variety of tasks to ensure the event runs smooth and is enjoyable for everyone.
Serve Lunch at YWCA Family Center
December 9 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm @YWCA Family Center
. Volunteers are needed to set up and serve lunch for the families staying at the Family Center.
Shop Assistant for Broad Street Food Pantry
December 13 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm @Broad Street Food Pantry
Volunteers will be assisting clients as they shop the choice pantry – help them select from available items, enforcing limits as necessary, offering suggestions for recipes and ways to use new foods.
Game Night with YMCA Supportive Housing
December 13 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm @YMCA of Central Ohio
This event is one where volunteers are able to have hands on interactions with those in need and have fun doing it!
Habitat for Humanity Build Day
December 15 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm @TBD US (Google Map)
Tasks will vary and our helpful site leads will teach you everything you need to know! Come dressed ready to work.
Build Furniture with a Heart
December 15 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm @Furniture with a Heart Thrift Store
Activities include any or all of cleaning donations, organizing donations, sorting donations, assembling furniture, and more.
Bake Cookies at Ronald McDonald House
December 18 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm @Ronald McDonald House
Join Columbus Gives Back as we head to Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio to bake cookies for the families staying there.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Giveaway with 614 Youth Prevention Foundation Inc.
December 21- 22 @Eastside Vineyard Church
Please contact Jynette for specific information about the volunteer positions available this year and the times volunteers are needed.
Bethlehem on Broad
Broad Street UMC hosts a family assistance program that provides 1,200 food baskets during a mid-December Christmas Party.
Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 East Broad Street
Phone: (614) 221-4571
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Salvation Army Red Kettle
Bell Ringers needed Monday – Saturdays until December 24 (10:00am – 8:00pm)
80 Locations in Central Ohio
Contact: Debbie Luffy, Kettle Coordinator
Email: redkettleringer@gmail.com
Phone: (614) 403-0404
Ohio Nature Education
Become Santa’s little helper by wrapping purchases at Half Price Books in Columbus from December 10-24.
Donations benefit Ohio Nature Education.
Contact: Manon VanSchoyck
Email: mvs@ohionature.org
Homeless Families Foundation Holiday Store
This program allows parents to select free gifts for their children.
Volunteers are needed to help pick-up and/or sort donations, organize and restock store, personal shoppers, and gift wrappers.
Contact: Geneviev
Email: hff@homelessfamiliesfoundation
Seeds of Caring
Spread cheer by creating holiday cards and caroling for seniors during four scheduled events this month.
Limited space available.
Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center
Contact the Shelter to become a dog walker, groomer, customer service representative, adoption counselor, media ambassadors, or photography volunteer.
Phone: (614) 525-7282
Email: dlriquin@franklincountyohio.gov
Pets without Parents
Any day from 9am- 8pm with miscellaneous opportunities including cleaning cages, walking animals, greeting potential adopters, and feeding the animals.
Bonus event: Not Your Mama’s Craft Market
Sunday, December 2 from 5pm- 9pm @Schiller Park
Bring your kiddos to Schiller Park during Village Lights to make holiday cards to be donated to hospitals and nursing homes in central Ohio!
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