A guide to donating in Chillicothe this holiday season

Megan Becker, Chillicothe Gazette
·7 min read

ROSS COUNTY ― Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings and focus on what matters.

There are numerous avenues for individuals to get involved in the community this holiday season, regardless of their available resources. Residents can volunteer, pick up litter, donate to the food pantry or support a local non-profit.

In the spirit of giving, here is a list of local charities to donate or contribute to this season.

Participate

There are many ways to contribute to local organizations, from volunteering your time, shopping for a good cause or donating blood.

Shop to contribute: Kroger Community Rewards

Kroger Community Rewards is an easy, free way to support local charities. Patrons with a Kroger account or shopper's card can link their card to a chosen organization. Then, every transaction supports your chosen charity.

Ross County and Chillicothe charities available through the Kroger Community Rewards program includes animal charities, local school districts, churches, marching band programs and more.

This program does not cost money and does not take away from points earned, coupons or gas discounts. For more information, visit kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards .

Volunteer or donate: Paper City Mentoring Project or Big Brothers, Big Sisters

The Maker Fair, hosted by the Paper City Mentoring Project, raised $6,000 to go back into the program.
The Maker Fair, hosted by the Paper City Mentoring Project, raised $6,000 to go back into the program.

The Paper City Mentoring Project is an organization that is committed to providing mentors for teenagers in Ross County. Proceeds from Paper City Coffee are donated to the mentoring project. The program also holds several fundraisers throughout the year, including the Paper City Makers Fair. Buying a cup of coffee or attending the makers fair supports the mission of the mentoring project.

The next Makers Fair will be hosted on Dec. 3 at noon at the Chillicothe & Ross County Library at 146 South Paint Street.

The program is looking for additional mentors to join the program. To volunteer, donate or find more information, visit papercitymentoringproject.org/ .

Similar to the Paper City Mentoring Project, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of South Central Ohio aims to connect young children with adult mentors. To volunteer or donate, visit bbbssco.org/ . The organization is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Donate blood, time or funds: American Red Cross

An emergency blood drive in honor of Sgt. Eric Kocheran was held Monday at the Red Cross South Central Ohio Chapter office at 181 N. Bridge St. He was injured during a shoot-out on Nov. 17 and continues to be treated at the Grant Medical Center.
An emergency blood drive in honor of Sgt. Eric Kocheran was held Monday at the Red Cross South Central Ohio Chapter office at 181 N. Bridge St. He was injured during a shoot-out on Nov. 17 and continues to be treated at the Grant Medical Center.

The South Central Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross provides disaster relief services and crisis education in the community. The American Red Cross also provides about 40% of the nations blood supply. Eligible donors can donate blood up to six times per year.

For more information on ways to donate, visit redcross.org

Item Donation

Many organizations accept food, clothing and hygiene product donations throughout the year, including Goodwill and local food pantries. For a list of food pantries in Ross County, visit unitedwayross.org/food-assistance-agencies .

Here is where to drop off donated goods this holiday season.

Children: CavsCares/ Cavalier Closet

CavsCares is a program through Chillicothe City Schools to provide students with necessary items like school supplies, food, hygiene items, laundry, everyday clothing and formal wear.

The district accepts items like peanut butter, canned food, tissues, dish soap, deodorant, paper towels and more. The district also accepts monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at Chillicothe Middle School at 381 Yoctangee Pkwy during school hours.

For more information on CavsCares or how to donate, contact Tabitha Muse at tabitha.muse@ccsd.us or 740 466-8832.

Animals: Mutt Farm

Shelli Speakman of Mutt Farm Wildlife Rehabilitation cares for orphaned and injured animals in her converted basement. A feeding chair is necessary for the animals that need hourly feedings.
Shelli Speakman of Mutt Farm Wildlife Rehabilitation cares for orphaned and injured animals in her converted basement. A feeding chair is necessary for the animals that need hourly feedings.

Mutt Farm Wildlife Rehabilitation based in Stoutsville is one of the only animal rehabilitators in southern Ohio. Shelli Speakman runs the clinic and cares for injured and orphaned animals.

The center accepts item donations at North Court Animal Clinic at 1130 N Court St. in Circleville. Some necessities include distilled water, fleece baby blankets, puppy pads, paper towels, vinegar and blue Dawn dish soap.

Mutt Farm also accepts monetary donations. The center is currently raising money for a pre-release enclosure.

For more information on Mutt Farm Wildlife Rehabilitation or to donate, call or text (740) 207-0663, email muttfarmlove@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page. Mutt Farm is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Homeless: Salvation Army and Community Action

Bo Lacey Construction is collecting coats, hats and gloves until Dec. 4. The goal is to collect 100 or more new or unwanted items to donate to the Salvation Army. Items can be dropped off at their Circleville location, 901 S. Court St. or contact Madison Hoehn at 567-333-3201.

Coldwell Banker Realty Champions, along with Union Home Mortgage, are collecting blankets this year to distribute through Ross County Community Action. Call Patty Hanna at 740-656-5367 to arrange donation.

Both the Salvation Army and Community Action are part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Monetary Donation

For those looking to give a one-time or monthly monetary donation, here is a list of local organization in need of funds.

Comprehensive: Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation

The Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation is an all-encompassing foundation that aims to to make a lasting difference in the community. The organization collects donations for scholarships and grants, but also puts donations into a savings account to generate interest for the future of the community.

There are many ways to give to the foundation, including cash, real estate, appreciated securities and more. Donors can choose which fund they support. For more information, visit crcf.net/ways-to-give/ . The organization is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Missing persons: Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue Team

Dogs and their handlers perform live find and human remains search and rescue exercises with SOCS, Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue at Yochtangee Park Annex on Feb. 2, 2023 in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Dogs and their handlers perform live find and human remains search and rescue exercises with SOCS, Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue at Yochtangee Park Annex on Feb. 2, 2023 in Chillicothe, Ohio.

The Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue Team (SOCS) is a team of dogs and handlers who help find missing people in southern Ohio. The team is seeking donations to pay for supplies and training.

Donate to SOCS with cash app at $SOCSOH or Venmo at SOCSOH. SOCS is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Veterans: Dress Right Dress

Jeremy Parkins, founder and CEO of Dress Right Dress, poses in front of his business's new central office in Kingston on Dec. 9, 2021.
Jeremy Parkins, founder and CEO of Dress Right Dress, poses in front of his business's new central office in Kingston on Dec. 9, 2021.

Dress Right Dress is a organization based in Kingston that aims to help veterans in times of crisis. In addition to assisting incarcerated veterans and those returning home from service, it also provides a meeting place for all U.S. military service members and veterans.

For more information or to donate to the organization, visit dressrightdress.org .

Substance abuse: Buck Fifty

Runners hand off batons and rest up during The Buck Fifty Race at one of the checkpoints at Adena High School on April 21, 2023 in Frankfort, Ohio.
Runners hand off batons and rest up during The Buck Fifty Race at one of the checkpoints at Adena High School on April 21, 2023 in Frankfort, Ohio.

The Buck Fifty has become a valued organization and tradition in the community, working to fight substance abuse while providing an exhilarating weekend every April. The Buck Fifty is a 150-mile relay race across Ross County that helps to support eight local high school chapters of the Drug Free Clubs of America Program.

Donate to Buck Fifty or sign up for the race at thebuckfifty.com/ .

Animals Organizations

Dior the Husky is one of the dogs at the Ross County Humane Society. He was able to spend time at Yoctangee Park thanks to the Foster Field Trip program.
Dior the Husky is one of the dogs at the Ross County Humane Society. He was able to spend time at Yoctangee Park thanks to the Foster Field Trip program.

Luckily, Ross County has several animal welfare organizations accepting donations to help dogs and cats in need.

The Ross County Humane Society accepts monetary donations to pay for medical care and placement for animals looking for homes. The organization is also seeking volunteers, foster homes and adopters. For more information, visit rosscountyhumanesociety.org/ . The organization is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Purrfect Companions Cat Resource Center provides low cost spay and neuter vouchers in Ross County and helps cats find forever homes. For more information or to donate, visit purrfectcompanionscrc.com/ . The organization is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

More: Local organization helps lower the cost of fixing a house cat

Cats and Company is a local non-profit that helps find foster homes for cats and hosts a Trap Neuter Release program. To donate, mail checks to 60 Riverside St. Suite 175 in Chillicothe, OH. For more information, visit catsandcompany.org/ .

Brody Doughty was excited to hold an orange cat brought to the library by Cat Roundup Rescue on Sept. 26, 2023.
Brody Doughty was excited to hold an orange cat brought to the library by Cat Roundup Rescue on Sept. 26, 2023.

Cat Roundup Rescue is based in Richmond Dale and helps to find homes for cats. The organization accepts monetary donations and has an Amazon wishlist available on their website, which includes items like paper towels, kitten formula and pet beds. For more information, visit catroundup.com/ . The organization is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Financial security: United Way

United Way of Ross County has been a staple in the community for years, helping to improve education and financial stability in Ross County. The faith-based organization hosts free tax preparation, provides food for children, promotes kindergarten readiness and more.

For more information or to donate to the United Way of Ross County, visit unitedwayross.org/ .

International: Foothold International

Brad and Cherie Catron help people through their ministry Foothold International.
Brad and Cherie Catron help people through their ministry Foothold International.

Foothold International is a nonprofit based in Chillicothe that aims to empower women in Kenya. Co-founders and Chillicothe locals Brad and Cherie Catron have worked in East Africa for 20 years focusing on community development through water, sanitation, hygiene and education projects.

For more information or to donate, visit footholdinternational.org/ . Foothold International is also part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Guide to donating, volunteering in Chillicothe this holiday season