6 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season in Columbus
For more than 55 years, community members have granted the wishes of children through the Holiday Wish program at Franklin County Children Services. This program provides gifts for thousands of youth served by the Franklin County Children Services agency and helps put the magic back in the holidays for families.
Help in one of the following ways:
- Donate any new toy
- Sponsor a child
- Host a toy drive
- Donate to the children’s fund
The agency is accepting any new toy, but the most needed toys include: Barbie Dolls (Multicultural), Basketballs, Bath Sets, Batteries, Books, Building Blocks, Colored Pencils, Coloring & Activity Books, Footballs, Gloves, Hats, Jewelry-Making Kits, Lego Sets, Dump Trucks, Markers, Puzzles, Soccer Balls, Socks (Decorative), Sports Equipment, Tea Sets, Science Activity Sets, Toy Cars, Action Figures, Nail Polish, Dinosaurs, Outdoor Activities, Drones, Slime Kits, Baby Dolls (Multicultural), Fire Trucks, Scarves, and Walkie Talkies.
Holiday Wish is open for donations Monday, October 2nd – Monday, December 18 at Franklin County Children Services,
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Holiday Wish Hours: Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday, December 6th, 8 am to 7 pm, Saturdays, December 2nd & 9th, 10 am to 3 pm, and Sundays, December 3rd & 10th, 12 pm to 3 pm.
Be a Book Angel – Gramercy Books
Join Gramercy Books to give the gift of books to children this holiday season.
How it works:
- Visit Gramercy Books and choose a star featuring the name and age of a child from the tree
- Select an appropriate book for that child
- Bring the star and the book to the register to purchase for the child and Gramercy will give you a 25% discount off the purchase price
- In recognition of your donation, an Angel with your name on it will replace the star on the tree
Last year Gramercy was able to give nearly 400 children the gift of books and this year the goal is to reach 500. Stop by Gramercy books any time November 4th through December to 24th to get started.
Fill a Little Free Pantry
Have you seen the Little Free Pantries popping up around town? At first glance, the Little Free Pantry looks like a Little Free Library. Upon closer inspection it’s really quite different. For those in need, Little Free Pantries are used to meet everyday food and personal needs of people in need throughout Columbus. Regardless of location, the Little Free Pantry is stocked organically by the local community with non-perishable food and toiletries. Those who wish to contribute do so at their own discretion and convenience. Likewise, those in need are welcome to take items from the pantry for free.
Light up the Lawn, Light up a Life – Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Light Up the Lawn, Light Up a Life” is a new holiday tradition that returns for a second year to Nationwide Children’s Hospital on November 14. This campaign is designed to build hope and joy for hospitalized children, families and the health care heroes caring for them all while raising much needed funds for children. The lawn along Livingston Avenue in front of Nationwide Children’s will be transformed with a butterfly-themed light display that illuminates with a flutter effect each time a donation is made, visible to pediatric patients and their families in the hospital tower as they look out at the lawn below. It’s easy to participate! Through the end of the year, starting with a gift of just $10, you can instantly light up butterflies on the lawn and through patient units by making a donation to Nationwide Childrens.
Volunteer with Seeds of Caring
Help your kids realize their potential to make an impact in the Columbus community. Check out the organization Seeds of Caring and sign up for one of the opportunities provided specifically designed to engage children ages 2-12 in service, social action, and community-building.
Bring Holiday Joy – YWCA Columbus
Make the holidays a little brighter for the residents and families of the YWCA by signing up to be matched with a child at the YWCA Family Center and/or a resident in YWCA Columbus’ Women’s Residency program. After you sign up, you will be matched with a child and/or resident and given their wish list and drop-off details. Help put a smile on a resident or child’s face by donating a gift for them to unwrap this December.
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams