The Christmas season is a beautiful time of year. Love and gratefulness flow through hearts, and the Christmas spirit makes each day a little more fun.
Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the love he has for us. We should love as Jesus loves, and give as Jesus gives. We are very fortunate around the holidays, so we must make sure to remember those who are less fortunate than us during the holiday seasons. Everyone deserves a Merry Christmas and we can help make that happen.
Consider me your personal charity elf as I search Central Ohio to find the best ways for you to help spread holiday cheer and God’s love to your community.
As Ronald Reagan said, “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
Here are some different places in Columbus that take donations of food, toys, money, and time.
(Before December 8th) River Radio Ministries/104.9 the River
Families all across our community are searching for hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. And you can help them find real HOPE. Every message and every song reaching nearly 200,000 people each week is a chance for God to connect with people who desperately need to hear from Him. In addition between now and December 8th The River is partnering with The Salvation Army and your donation can activate a special bonus by providing a Red Box to a family in need! You can keep uplifting and encouraging music playing 24 hours a day and change a life with your gift.
(After December 8th) River Radio Ministries
Families all across our community are searching for hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. And you can help them find real HOPE. Every message and every song reaching nearly 200,000 people each week is a chance for God to connect with people who desperately need to hear from Him. You can keep uplifting and encouraging music playing 24 hours a day and change a life with your gift.
Salvation Army in central Ohio
You can volunteer as a “Red Kettle” and ring the bells to raise money, or you can simply donate to other Red Kettles all over the city. You can donate $50 online at their website to purchase a Red Box which helps someone in need.
Or you can also sign up to host an angel tree toy drive. You can get your office, church, or any group to host an angel tree to provide for children on Christmas that need it.Check out all the donation opportunities and sign up links here.
Franklin County Children Services Holiday Wish List
The youth under the care of the Franklin County Children Services get to pick a gift under $50.00 and the organization provides them with their wish list! A lot of the times, these presents are the only ones these children receive so it is important make sure they have enough donations to deliver the Christmas cheer. You can request a child’s wish list and shop for it yourself and deliver it, or simply make a cash donation and the charity will go get the gifts. You can find more information here.
Firefighters 4 Kids
You can support the 38th annual NBC4 Firefighters 4 Kids Toy Drive. They’re collecting new unwrapped toys, gift cards, and money through December 24. Toy donations can be made at fire stations in Franklin County or any CME Federal Credit Union location. NBC4 will host the annual collection day on Saturday, December 10.
You can make a difference by collecting toys at their schools, neighborhoods and businesses or by volunteering time sorting and bagging toys with the firefighters. Click here for more info.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots helps as many children as possible to have a wonderful Christmas through toy donations.
They are taking toy donations until Dec. 9th 2016
Click here to find information about hosting a toy drive or donating to a toy drive.
Mid-Ohio Foodbank
The Mid-Ohio Food Bank takes nonperishable foods and cash donations all year round. The Christmas season is the busiest season and when they need the most donations. You can also help by volunteering time!
Every Christmas, they do a fundraiser called “Feeding the Hungry- One Bowl at a Time.” From November 1st – December 2nd, lunch sites all over Columbus will offer handmade bowls and a cup of soup for a $10 donation. Every $10 donation provides $100 worth of food and groceries for hungry families and individuals. Check out more info here.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Some children don’t get to spend Christmas at home. Donating to Nationwide is one way to spread holiday cheer to little kids who need it.
Nationwide is hosting its annual Toy Drive on December 3rd from 10 am to 3 pm in the outpatient care entrance. They take toys and books!
Nationwide is also hosting the Grand Illumination on December 2nd! Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Columbus as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the Scioto Mile, with holiday inspired entertainment and activities for all ages, and a special appearance by Santa! Attendees are encouraged to send a holiday wish and brighten the day of a hospitalized child with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Justice. You can even send an e-card to a child in need here.
