** All CAP4Kids material is for general information purposes. While we endorse careful review of the information on our site, we cannot recommend or endorse any particular organization. We are updating this list in real time, however availability may change quickly. Please contact agencies directly to access services. Information in each section is listed by date, then alphabetically.**
Salvation Army – Christmas Cheer Toy & Food Program
NOW thru Thursday, Dec. 5
Multiple Locations , See Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/10/Salvation-Amy-Christmas-2024.pdf
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
Blendon Township Senior Center – Free Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7, 9-11AM
(614) 882-1260
6330 South Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081
Enjoy a free pancake breakfast with Santa. Children will receive a special holiday treat. Please call ahead to place a reservation.
necolumbus.macaronikid.com/events/67325233e2bd1536ff16e07b/free-breakfast-with-santa
Church of the Resurrection – Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7, 8-11AM
6300 Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054
Enjoy a free pancake breakfast with Santa! They will also be collecting children’s winter coats.
necolumbus.macaronikid.com/events/67324e7251241060e24765e5/pancake-breakfast-with-santa
St. Stephen’s – Christmas Cares Food Box
Registration is Open!
Franklin County families can visit the website to register for a Christmas Food Box. Families must arrive and pick up their boxes during their assigned time.
Christmas Cares Information: saintstephensch.org/christmas-cares
Salvation Army – Christmas Cheer Toy & Food Program
NOW thru Thursday, Dec. 5
Multiple Locations , See Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/10/Salvation-Amy-Christmas-2024.pdf
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
LINC Academy – Winter Coat Giveaway
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11AM
LINC Academy: 33 North Grubb Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Winter coats sizes 2T-Y10/12, hats, gloves, and blankets will be available for TANF-eligible families. Availability is limited- clothing will be given first come, first served while supplies last.
Event Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/11/Winter-Coat-Giveaway-Community-Flyer.pdf
More information on LINC Academy: cap4kids.org/columbus/westside-charter-schools
Auntie Founty’s Pop-Up Bookstore
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11AM-1PM
Community Grounds: 1134 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
This event is open to the community. Stop by for free books for ages 0-9 years old, prizes, and family activities.
cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/11/pop-up-bookstore.png
Carols on Cleveland – Holiday Event, Toy & Coat Giveaway in Linden
Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-3PM
1410 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
Families in the Linden neighborhood (zip codes 43211, 43224) can register online now to receive free toys and coats. Toys and coats can be picked up at the 12/14 event, a free and family-friendly holiday event.
Registration form: app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d0f6d8b4b79e4a5aab3d279a6a52f337
onelinden.org
St. Philip Episcopal Church – Youth Christmas Party & Tiny Tots Store
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10AM-2PM
166 Woodland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203
All are welcome to come and have a good time. There will be arts, crafts, games, and food for youth and their families. Youth can pick out a free gift for family members at the Tiny Tots Store. Adults can also shop the store, with all items $5 and under.
eventbrite.com/e/youth-christmas-party-tickets-1089397179289
Columbus Kids’ Book Bank – Free Book Giveaway Events
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 3-6PM
7949 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43235
Anyone can attend their monthly book giveaway events to shop their selection of gently used children’s’ books for free.
bookbank.secondandseven.com/events
Bloom Free Store
7343 Worthington-Galena Road, Columbus, OH 43085
2578 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Provides free clothing, shoes, accessories and toys for families with children ages 0-3 in Columbus, Ohio. Families must register with the organization by completing the online form before shopping.
bloomfreestore.org
Common Ground Free Store
193 East Central Avenue, Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 369-3733
A free store with no income requirements, located in Delaware, Ohio.
commongroundfreestore.org
Netcare – Harm Reduction Pop-Up
Friday, Dec. 20, 1-4PM
199 South Central Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223
Stop by the Netcare parking lot for free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, clothing, snacks, hygiene supplies, and other items for those in need.
franklinton.org/?event-item=harm-reduction-pop-up
More Free Stores, Clothing, Hygiene Items, & Homegoods
PAST Innovation Lab – Maker Mania Event & Glove Drive
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6-8PM
PAST Innovation Lab: 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212
Bring the family to Maker Mania: Holiday Edition to design and create fun holiday decorations and gadgets. They will also be collecting winter gloves, hats, and scarves to be given to local families. Items must be new and unwrapped with tags attached. The event is free but registration is required.
pastfoundation.org/event-details/makermania-holiday-2024
Clintonville Community Resources Center – Toy Donations
Accepting donations NOW thru Dec. 14
3222 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43202
Donations of new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in person. Click the link for a detailed list of gift items to purchase.
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.
firefighters4kids.com
Columbus Food Rescue – Food Drive & Toy Collection
NOW thru Friday, Dec. 20
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
Seeking shelf-stable kitchen staples for their food pantries this season– see the flyer for a list of most needed items. They are also collecting unwrapped new and gently used toys for families who are not eligible for other toy drives. All items can be dropped off in person.
Food Drive Flyer: facebook.com/photo?fbid=881736487473079&set=a.557960269850704
More information on Local Matters/Columbus Food Rescue: local-matters.org/columbus-food-rescue
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.
fccs.us/holiday-wish
HALT Violence – Coat Drive
Tuesday, Dec. 24
2360 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43204 or 923 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
Drop off new or gently used coats to help someone stay warm this winter. Coats can be dropped off at either HALT Violence location:
Event flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/11/HALT-coat-drive.png
More information on HALT Violence: cap4kids.org/columbus/halt-violence
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) – Coat Drive
Accepting donations in-person Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM
4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, OH 43220
Help give a newly arrived refugee a warm welcome by donating a winter coat. Email akavuna@cris-ohio.org with questions.
cap4kids.org/columbus/cris
One Warm Coat – Find Coat Drives Near You
(877) 663-9276
Use the searchable map to find coat drives accepting donations near you! The website also has resources for those looking to organize a coat drive.
onewarmcoat.org/share-warmth/donate-coats
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.
victorycoh.org/christmas
Andrews House – Bake a Difference or Attend the Fundraiser
Cookie Drop-Off: Friday, Dec. 6, 9AM-9PM
Christmas Cupboard Fundraiser: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9AM-1PM
39 West Winter Street, Delaware, OH 43015
This community center provides important programs for residents of Delaware county. The Christmas Cupboard fundraiser will feature a holiday shop with cookies and local artisanal gifts. Those interested in supporting can shop the fundraiser, or help Bake a Difference and provide cookies to sell at the event. Sign up online for Bake A Difference, and drop off cookies in person on 12/6. You can also visit the website to make a direct financial donation.
andrewshouse.org
Columbus Winterfair
Dec. 6-8, Various Times
Ohio Expo Center: 717 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
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
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: huckhouse.app.neoncrm.com/forms/cookiedrive24
Thursday, Dec. 12 Holiday Gift Drive: signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/251784302018/false#/invitation
Crisis & Outreach Gift Bag Amazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26DWP4MT5MNV8/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
More information on Huckleberry House: cap4kids.org/columbus/huckhouse
Central Community House – Holiday Food Drive
Accepting donations NOW thru Friday, Dec. 13
Seeking food items for baskets that will be distributed to families for holiday meals. Visit the flyer for a specific list of items needed.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205
Food Drive Flyer: facebook.com/photo?fbid=958146646348684&set=a.358727962957225
More information on Central Community House: cap4kids.org/columbus/central-community-house
Brown Girls Mentoring
Visit the website and make a financial donation to help support this important, in-school mentoring program for Black and Brown girls.
Donation link: givebutter.com/oukXOO
More information on Brown Girls Mentoring: cap4kids.org/columbus/brown-girls-mentoring
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.
(614) 626-5740
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. You can give a financial donation to Adopt A Family, or donate furniture.
Adopt A Family information: furniturebankcoh.org/adopt-a-family/?segmentCode=HO1024EM4
More information on Furniture Bank of Ohio: cap4kids.org/columbus/furniture-bank
Golden Hobby Gift Shop
Shop handmade goods made by Columbus-area seniors and volunteers.
columbusrecparks.com/facilities/goldenhobbygiftshop
Moms2B Seeking Donations
Donation Information: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/11/Donate-to-Moms2B-This-Holiday-Season-1-2.pdf
More information on Moms2B: cap4kids.org/columbus/moms2b
National Federation of the Blind – Invest in Dignity
Consider supporting this important organization supporting blind people. Financial donations given between now and Dec. 31 will be matched to double your gift.
Donation information: nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/matching-gift-opportunity
More information on NFB: cap4kids.org/columbus/national-federation-of-the-blind
NC4K – Adopt A Family
This organization supports families battling pediatric cancer. Support their work by signing up to adopt a family and shop their wish-list. You can also volunteer at one of their holiday events, host a gift drive, or make a monetary donation. Visit the website to sign up.
nc4k.org/holiday
More information on NC4K: cap4kids.org/columbus/nellies-champions-for-kids-nc4k
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.
cap4kids.org/columbus/neighborhood-bridges
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
Victory Ministries Center of Hope
Consider giving a financial donation to support families this holiday season.
Donation information: victorycoh.org/_files/ugd/8878f9_1077e2c4c2d84357aae35a38b97caf41.pdf
More information on Center of Hope: cap4kids.org/columbus/center-of-hope
FACCES Fresh Market – Bimonthly Volunteering
Volunteer to help serve food and hygiene items to community members while dancing along to the FACCES playlist!
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
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: 4allpeople.org/volunteer
Group Volunteer Registration Form: 4allpeople.app.neoncrm.com/forms/group-form
More Information on CD4AP: cap4kids.org/columbus/community-development-for-all-people-cd4ap
Local Matters
Multiple opportunities including; meal prep, writing thank you notes, hosting holiday tours, and more.
Volunteer Sign-Up: local-matters.org/stay-involved/volunteer
More About Local Matters: cap4kids.org/columbus/localmatters
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: eventbrite.com/o/seeds-of-caring-9804905236
More information on Seeds of Caring: cap4kids.org/columbus/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 Center of Hope – 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
Current Columbus Winter Warming Stations
Clothing, Hygiene Items, and Home Goods Resource List
Utility & Housing Payment Assistance Programs
Best Gas Prices in Columbus
Free Home Weatherization for Income-Eligible Franklin County Residents
Grief Support, Support Groups, Substance Use Help, and More
Emergency Food Help
Emergency Housing Help
Helpful Hotlines
Columbus Street Card
How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
Check out the CAP4Kids Family Activities & Resources Page for a list of free or low-cost events for families– including visits with Santa, holiday light displays, resources for parents, and more!
cap4kids.org/columbus/family-activities-and-resources
