Looking to help? Here's how to assist Columbus nonprofits before the end of the year
The season of giving may have come and gone, but for Greater Columbus nonprofit agencies, that charitable spirit lasts year-round.
Still, many such organizations are undertaking additional efforts through the rest of 2022 to help those in need — from food drives to clothing drives and to a variety of other year-end programming.
The Human Service Chamber of Franklin County has compiled a spreadsheet of its members' holiday events that the organization is updating through the end of the year as more initiatives are announced. Here are eight Columbus nonprofit organizations that are undertaking charitable endeavors that you can help before we ring in 2023.
Asian American Community Services
Whom the organization serves: Asian American Community Services provides culturally responsive trauma-informed care to Asian Americans in Greater Columbus, including health clinics and screenings for those without insurance, translation services, youth programming and case management services.
What they're doing: The agency is asking for community donations of gift cards to Asian grocery stores and restaurants for its clients who are survivors of crimes. Many receive food assistance, but much of it is not specific to their culture, meaning they're unable to eat meals that are familiar or comforting to them. The agency is also working with its community partners to obtain furniture and clothing for those they serve who are displaced.
What they need: Examples of Asian businesses for which people could donate gift cards include Sunrise Asian Market, 1920 W. Henderson Road; Saraga International Grocery, 1265 Morse Road; Arirang Oriental Market, 1526 Bethel Road; Lotte Oriental Food & Gifts, 4944 N. High St.; and Park to Shop, 2757 Festival Lane.
How you can help: Donations may be mailed or delivered in person to the AACS offices at 4700 Reed Road, Suite B, Columbus, OH 43220.
Contact information: www.aacsohio.org, 614-220-4023
Charity Newsies
Whom the organization serves: Charity Newsies annually provides more than 15,000 Franklin County children with six pairs of socks, six sets of underwear, three shirts, three pairs of pants, a coat and hat and gloves.
What they're doing: In December, the organization sent volunteers to about 50 street corners throughout Greater Columbus to seek monetary donations to allow them to purchase clothing for children. But donations still may be made online or via check. Charity Newsies partners with a variety of community organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to support families displaced by residential fires, which typically increase during the cold months, as well as other weather-related emergencies.
How you can help: Visit www.charitynewsies.org to make a monetary donation, or make checks payable to Charity Newsies and mail to 4300 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214.
Contact information: www.charitynewsies.org, 614-743-0104
Columbus Early Learning Centers
Whom the organization serves: Columbus Early Learning Centers provides early learning opportunities to children up to age 5, with the majority coming from families living below the federal poverty level. The agency also provides community-based programming that includes home visits from early learning specialists and access to such wraparound services as housing and utility assistance.
What they're doing: Though gift-giving holidays may be over, the agency is still seeking donations that include gifts of toys for the children at the learning centers, as well as monetary donations. The agency is also soliciting sponsorships and ticket purchases for its upcoming gala on Jan. 26.
What they need: Monetary donations are most effective in allowing the CELC's leaders to identify the greatest need to support families and children. Donations of new, age-appropriate toys and classroom supplies for children ages 5 and younger also may be made.
How you can help: Monetary donations may be made via check and mailed to 1611 Old Leonard Ave., Columbus, OH 43219. Holiday gifts are available for purchase via an Amazon gift registry.
Contact information: www.columbusearlylearning.org, 614-253-5525
Local Matters
Whom the organization serves: Local Matters provides food advocacy, education and access through cooking classes, community gardens and its mobile Veggie Van produce markets.
What they're doing: In addition to its ongoing Veggie Van Markets, Local Matters is offering grocery delivery services during the winter to those living within Interstate 270 for a $5 fee.
What they need: Monetary donations allow the agency to expand its food education program and extend the reach of its Veggie Van.
How you can help: Such supplies as cooking utensils, cookbooks, gardening tools and others are available for purchase through an Amazon wish list. Donations also may be made by visiting www.local-matters.org/donate.
Those interested in volunteering should visit www.local-matters.org/volunteer.
Contact information: www.local-matters.org, 614-263-5662
OhioGuidestone
Whom the organization serves: OhioGuidestone is a behavioral health agency that serves 30,000 children, families and adults across the state, providing mental health services, substance abuse treatment and counseling at 39 locations, including an office in Columbus.
What they're doing: The agency hosted a holiday gift card campaign in which donations were accepted of gift cards for groceries, gas, clothing, toys and other basic living needs. The organization continues to seek donations through the end of the year.
How you can help: Donations can be made online at ohioguidestone.org/donate or mailed to OhioGuidestone's offices at 343 W. Bagley Road, Berea, OH 44017.
Contact information: www.ohioguidestone.org, 844-622-5564
Riverview International Center
Whom the organization serves: The Riverview International Center helps new Americans in Greater Columbus to establish themselves by assisting them in finding employment, accessing health care, attaining education and integrating their children into local schools, among other services.
What they're doing: Through January and perhaps beyond, the agency is collecting new blankets for new immigrant families.
How you can help: Donations may be made via an Amazon wish list. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found on the agency's website.
Contact information: www.riverviewinternationalcenter.org, 614-427-3368
Star House
Whom the organization serves: Star House operates a drop-in center for youths ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness. Star House provides food, clothing, hygiene items and access to wraparound services, showers and laundry facilities.
What they're doing: Star House has partnered with Homage to sell "Kindness is Free" T-shirts, with 20% of the sales of each purchase benefiting Star House's mission. That partnership will last indefinitely, but during the holiday season, the agency is asking for donations via an Amazon wish list.
What they need: Monetary donations help support day-to-day operating costs. Star House also is in need of such item donations as hygiene products and gently used clothing. Right now, gloves, socks, hoodies, sweatpants and men's underwear are among the most urgent needs, as well as $10 Kroger gift cards.
How you can help: Monetary donations may be made online at starhouse.givingfuel.com/donate or by mailing them to to Kat Earles at 1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201. Those interested in volunteering should visit starhouse.us/volunteer. Homage T-Shirts are available for purchase at homage.com/collections/star-house, and the Amazon wish list is at starhouse.us/donate.
Contact information: starhouse.us, 614-826-5868
YWCA Columbus
Whom the organization serves: YWCA Columbus serves women and people of color by providing a variety of resources and educational opportunities while also advocating for equity and social justice causes.
What they're doing: The agency has embarked on an end-of-the-year campaign to raise donations and to encourage community members to host their own donation drives and serve meals to the hungry.
What they need: The organization has separate Amazon wish lists of the most needed items for the Family Center, the Women's Residency Program and the Family Center Kitchen.
How you can help: More information about how to contribute is online at ywcacolumbus.org/end-of-year-giving-2022.
Contact information: ywcacolumbus.org, 614-224-9121
Eric Lagatta is a reporter at the Columbus Dispatch covering social justice issues and nonprofits.
elagatta@dispatch.com
@EricLagatta
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Here's how to support local nonprofits helping people for the holidays
