Season of Caring 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

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season of caring Give back to central Ohio this holiday season. brought to you by:

Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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ThisWeekNews.com

Welcome to the holiday season ThisWeek Community News is excited to bring you this special section full of opportunities for you and your family to give the gift of caring this holiday season. HandsOn Central Ohio has come up with a variety of wonderful

volunteer and donation suggestions throughout the communities we serve.

Slow down the bustle of the season by taking some time to help others or donate items to make a holiday season brighter.

We would not be able to bring you this valuable information without the support of our sponsors. Thank you Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, The Catholic Foundation and Comfort Dental.

For more information on these and other holiday volunteer opportunities, including dates and times, locations, number of volunteers needed, and how to sign up, visit HandsOn Central Ohio’s online project calendar at www. volunteercentralohio.org.

Host Christmas Brunch

raises money to help support the mission of the organization. The event will take place at Brookside Golf & Country Club.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the raffle table. Bring your friends and come out to volunteer for a great cause!

Visit ThisWeekNews.com/ SeasonofCaring all winter for more volunteer opportunities and calls for donations. We wish you a safe and wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Give back this holiday season — sign up for these great volunteer opportunities

A.T.I.A.D. (A Thug Is A Dud)

Community Winter Giveaway Help distribute personal hygiene items, underwear, socks and toiletries to youth, young adults and parents in the community.

Arthritis Foundation in Central Ohio

Jingle Bell Run!

Do you enjoy getting into the holiday spirit? Then join the 29th annual Jingle Bell Run! This 5K run/walk is in downtown Columbus. Volunteer needs include registration, course monitor, greeter, start/finish line volunteer, crowd control, medal distribution, merchandise sales, packet pickup, shuttle driver and volunteer registration.

Central Ohio Symphony

Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Concerts Volunteers are needed to assist in the following ways: ushers; ticket takers on the main floor and in the balcony; assistance with directing cars with handicapped passengers to unload and park in the handicapped parking area provided; assistance with coat check and refreshment sales; as well as “striking” the stage setup at the end of the evening’s performance and loading things in cars and vans to return to the office. Volunteers who assist may stay and enjoy the concert.

Children’s Hunger Alliance

First Night Columbus

Come create a safe and exciting night for children in the Columbus area on New Year’s Eve and help spread the word of Children’s Hunger Alliance’s services at First Night Columbus: Feeding Outreach. Volunteer duties may include: set-up and tear-down, activities and games, and healthy trail mix promotion. Come have a rewarding experience with children in the community and get to know other amazing hunger heroes. End the day enjoying VIP food and a smile on your face. Sign up soon as this opportunity will go fast!

Community Shelter Board

Host a Christmas Eve Pizza Party Community Shelter Board has opened a new shelter to address the growing number of single adults and families experiencing homelessness.

Van Buren Center is currently providing emergency shelter for over 200 women on a daily basis. They are seeking a volunteer group to host a pizza party for these women. Please bring pizza, pop and chips as well as games and/or karaoke. The group would be required to provide the food and entertainment for the party.

Community Shelter Board has opened a new shelter to address the growing number of single adults and families experiencing homelessness.

Van Buren Center is currently providing emergency shelter for over 200 women on a daily basis. They are seeking a volunteer group to host a brunch for these women. Please bring a warm brunch to serve. The group would be required to provide the food for the brunch.

Green Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum

Wreathes Across America

Join fellow volunteers at Green Lawn Cemetery for Wreaths Across America. Green Lawn is the second largest cemetery in Ohio and serves as the resting place for well known and influential individuals who made significant contributions to Columbus, the state of Ohio and the entire country. Volunteers will place 600 holiday wreaths at the northern part of section 104. Give back this holiday season by remembering those who gave so much for our country. Groups and families are welcome!

HandsOn Central Ohio

Schedule Basket Appointments

In celebration of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, local food pantries will be providing families with all the fixings for a home cooked meal.

HandsOn Central Ohio will be taking calls to set up appointments for families to receive a holiday food basket.

Volunteers are needed to answer the phone line and schedule appointments.

Volunteers will be trained and provided all necessary information for appointment scheduling.

Heinzerling Memorial Foundation

Be Santa!

The Foundation would like someone to come and dress as Santa Claus to distribute gifts to the residents at the annual holiday parties. Gifts and suit are provided. Adult volunteers only.

Music Makers Needed!

Share your musical talents and provide entertainment for the residents at their annual holiday party.

Four entertainment groups are needed for the parties. Families welcome.

Homeless Families Foundation

Holiday Store Setup

The Homeless Families Foundation invites volunteers to help setup the holiday “store” that will allow families to browse and choose gifts that have been donated.

Holiday Store Help

The Homeless Families Foundation needs volunteers to help restock the holiday store, to help families shop in the Holiday Store, to help with gift wrapping and possibly to transport clients home.

Homeless Families Foundation Come Home for the Holidays Homeless Families Foundation’s annual event Come Home for the Holidays

LifeCare Alliance

Meal-on-Wheels Delivery

Deliver holiday cheer and hot, nutritious meals to your neighbors who may be elderly, medically challenged or homebound and receive Meals-onWheels. Maps and training are provided. Routes take 1-1.5 hours to deliver.

Near East Pride Center

Firefighters 4 Kids Registration Assistance Help families to register to receive gifts for their children through the Firefighters for Kids toy drive. You can help by volunteering to process forms or by helping families fill the forms out.

Neighborhood Services, Inc.

Thanksgiving Food Sorting

Looking for volunteers to help move and arrange pallets of produce and chicken from Mid-Ohio Foodbank in Grove City to Neighborhood Services and also help prepare for the Thanksgiving distribution. Will be renting a U-Haul truck to get the pallets of food, unless someone has a very large truck that they want to donate!

Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids

Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids Holiday Program Every holiday season, Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids adopts pediatric cancer families to help make Christmas a magical time. Volunteers are needed to help sort gifts at the office and help the days of the party!

Ohio Nature Education

Gift Wrapping Volunteers Needed Wrap purchases (books) for donations to Ohio Nature Education! Ohio Nature Education provides a home for 50+ permanently injured animals which are then incorporated into environmental education programs for people of all ages.

programs. It provides food and toys to nearly 7,000 families in need over a two-day period and relies on volunteers to help get those who need the most help registered in the program. They are asking volunteers to please bring a toy to donate to the Toy Shop as well.

The past two years this has helped supplement the need to buy toys for the families. Especially in need of toys for children age 10-14.

Christmas Cheer Volunteers Volunteers are needed to assemble boxes, decorate the Center, sort food and toys, fill food boxes, check in families, give out food and toys, assist clients to their cars, and clean up.

Red Kettle Volunteers

Need volunteer groups to adopt a Red Kettle by organizing teams of friends, family or coworkers to ring the bell for a day! Red Kettle volunteer groups divide the day (10 hours) into five (5) two hour shifts, or a combination of 1-2 hours shifts, based on what works best for your group. They will be holding this event at 80 locations across Franklin and Delaware counties. Groups work from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be broken into smaller windows depending on availability.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Soup Kitchen Volunteers

St. Vincent de Paul needs volunteers Monday-Thursday to cook food for a daily soup kitchen. Food is provided.

Not open Thanksgiving or Christmas.

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

Miracle on Long Street

Miracle on Long Street serves those living in shelters, senior citizens, those in rehab centers and others in need.

Day volunteers will be setting up, sorting clothes, and preparing toiletry bags for the annual holiday program.

Evening volunteers will be serving meals and assisting with the clothing giveaway. Children are welcome.

St. Stephen’s Community House

Christmas Cares/Union Shares Volunteers are needed to set up, monitor the food room, and manage cart duty for food pickup and car loaders.

Open Shelter Inc.

Stowe Mission of Central Ohio

Ho Ho Hope for the Holidays

Thanksgiving Meal at Stowe Mission

The Open Shelter is proud, for the ninth year, to host “Ho Ho Hope for the Holidays.” “Ho Ho Hope” exists to provide holiday cheer and help to those who may not normally be able to experience it – the homeless and marginally housed.

Volunteers are needed to help get things together, wrap gifts, decorate, etc.

Salvation Army

Christmas Cheer Registration

The Salvation Army is asking you to volunteer to help register families and individuals for Christmas Cheer. Christmas Cheer is one of Ohio’s largest holiday toy and food distribution

Help serve a Thanksgiving meal at Stowe Mission. Volunteers also are asked to bring a pie.

Youth Rise Against All Odds

Christmas Gala Volunteers

Youth Rise Against All Odds is hosting a Christmas Gala where they will distribute gifts to families.

Volunteer activities include but aren’t limited to drivers, packers, runners, secretarial work, phone calling and more.

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Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

ThisWeekNews.com

Donation opportunities, great and small Please continue to check www. volunteercentralohio.org for a list of updated donation opportunities.

ADOPT-A-DONATIONS Amethyst Inc.

455 East Mound Street Columbus, OH 43215 Valerie Coleman vcoleman@amethyst-inc.org (614) 221-7331 Service description: Amethyst houses approximately 149 women in transition and over 60 children. This holiday season, donors have an opportunity to make the season a little merrier for an Amethyst family. Donors need to contact Amethyst and ask to adopt a family (donors can specify the size of family— how many children or a single woman) and will be e-mailed a wish list of items for the family. Donors then shop, wrap the presents and return to Amethyst.

Most requested gifts range from $5-$25.

On average, each person receives three gifts, regardless of value.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through December 12. Please contact Valerie to arrange drop-off.

Directions for Youth and Families

1515 Indianola Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 Vicki Bagent vbagent@dfyf.org (614) 294-2661 Service description: The Families Helping Families program brings holiday cheer, food and gifts to many client families in Franklin and Delaware counties. Families, businesses, churches and other community organizations are needed to adopt families and to provide clothing and toys and other items on their family’s “wish list.” For organizations, businesses and churches that have a “giving tree,” the agency requests gift cards (to groceries and stores like Target, Walmart, etc.) to help fulfill the wish lists of any families that are not adopted.

Dates: Gifts should be delivered by December 5.

LifeCare Alliance

1699 West Mound Street Columbus, OH 43223 and 670 Harmon Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 For general clients: Heather McCormick hmccorm@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2880 or Nadlin Antwi nantwi@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2814 For Columbus Cancer Clinic clients: Cathy Phillips cphilli@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2840 For Project Openhand clients (those living with HIV/AIDS): Amanda Killilea akillilea@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2892.

Service description: Help clients and their families celebrate the season! Provide a local family with a holiday food basket, or help meet the needs on their holiday wish list. Wish list items may include stocking stuffers, toys, food, clothing, personal care, household

items or gift cards.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

St. Vincent Family Center

1490 East Main Street Columbus, OH 43205 Deb Huff dhuff@svfc.org (614) 252-0731 ext. 1132 Service description: Seeking holiday sponsors for the children and families served by the Center. Accepts new toys, clothing and gift cards. Those who wish to adopt a family should call Deb for wish list items of particular children.

Dates: Gifts will be accepted December 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call ahead before dropping off gifts.

OTHER HOLIDAY DONATIONS American Red Cross

995 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43205 Service description: The American Red Cross Holiday gift catalog allows companies and individuals to support critical community services in honor of employees or other recipients. Things like a day of shelter for disaster victims, comfort kits for members of the military or measles vaccinations for children around the world can be arranged by visiting www.redcross.org/gifts.

Dates: Throughout the holiday season.

Byron Saunders Foundation

8260 Howe Industrial Parkway Canal Winchester, OH 43110 Brian Wollenberg (614) 554-0816 Service description: Seeking donations of non-perishable food items to make Thanksgiving meal boxes for needy families in central Ohio. Most needed items include stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned corn, green beans, fruit, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, evaporated milk, bread and dessert mixes, and gravy. Approximately 2,000 families are served each year.

Dates: All food must be collected and at the donation site no later than November 14. Pick-up of food can be arranged.

Blue Jackets Foundation

200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, OH 43215 Katie Massey cbjfoundation@bluejackets.com (614) 246-4315 Service description: Seeking donations of new and gently used jackets.

Hats, gloves, etc. will also be accepted.

Winter apparel only.

Dates: Donations will be accepted November 18-December 9 at all home games, Chiller locations and team stores.

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

14 West Lakeview Avenue Columbus, OH 43202 Stephanie Baker stephaniek.baker@clintonvillecrc.org (614) 268-3539 Service description: Seeking dona-

tions of unwrapped children’s toys; small gift cards; small household gifts for parents; wrapping paper; and hats, gloves and scarves.

Dates: Parents’ gifts need to be donated by December 12. Children’s toys will be accepted through December 20.

Community Kitchen

640 South Ohio Avenue Columbus, OH 43205 Marilyn Oberting marilyn@communitykitchen.org (614) 252-6428 ext. 238 Service description: Seeking donations of salt/pepper/sugar packets, napkins, forks and spoons (mismatched okay), coffee cups, and 8 oz cups.

Dates: Donations will be accepted throughout the winter. Please contact Marilyn to arrange drop-off.

Community Shelter Board

595 Van Buren Drive Columbus, OH 43223 Charity Eilerman ceilerman@csb.org (614) 715-2545 Service description: Seeking donations of new coats, hats, gloves, scarves; new socks and underwear; bus passes; personal hygiene items; diapers; food; and plastic ware. Please contact for a specific list of needs.

Dates: Donations are accepted Monday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Freedom a la Cart

40 West Long Street Columbus, OH 43215 Keturah Schroeder keturah@freedomalacart.org Service description: Seeking Christmas presents for participants of CATCH Court (a voluntary, two-year program designed to rescue and restore women emerging from the sex trade). Freedom a la Cart collects 30 similar items and creates gift bags for CATCH Court Christmas. Possible items include books, journals, candles, specialty soaps and lotions, scarves, mittens, etc.

Dates: Items can be dropped off anytime before December 15. Please coordinate a time with Keturah.

Faith Mission

245 North Grant Avenue Columbus, OH 43215 Sarah Douglas sdouglas@lssco.org (614) 598-1209 Service description: Seeking donations of food; house wares; new or gently used blankets, sheets, bath towels, and washcloths; new men’s underwear, socks, gloves, and 2XL and above clothing; duffle bags, bookbags and suitcases; and personal hygiene items.

Please contact for a more specific list of needs. Used pillows, underwear and socks are not accepted. All items should be cleaned before being donated.

Dates: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donation drop-offs take place at the back of the building. Donors can park in front of the back dock next to the dumpsters and ring the doorbell.

Donors must either take a receipt or sign the Donation Log Book to record their donations.

Gladden Community House 183 Hawkes Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 Whitney Vosler

whitneyvosler.gch@gmail.com (614) 227-1619 Service description: Seeking food donations for 250 Christmas food baskets for local seniors, disabled residents, and clients of Gladden Community House. Seeking donations of boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed stuffing, canned green beans/corn/peas, instant potatoes, instant pudding, jello mix, and canned fruit.

Dates: Donations accepted through December 8. Monetary donations for these items are also accepted.

Homeless Families Foundation

33 North Grubb Street Columbus, OH 43215 Karie Gallegos kgallegos@homelessfamiliesfoundation.org (614) 461-9247 ext. 116 Service description: Seeking donations of toys for newborns-age 18.

Specific requests include Fisher Price toys, LEGO sets, learning toys (all ages), board games, popular DVDs, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls/pumps, books, and diaries with gel pens. Gift cards for teenagers (Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Bath and Body Works, Wendy’s, etc.) are especially desired.

Dates: Gifts will be accepted through December 11.

Inner City Ministries

846 Sullivant Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 Pastor Brian Humphrey innercitypastorbrian@yahoo.com Service description: Seeking donations of toys and food for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.

Dates: Items can be donated up to a week before both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

LifeCare Alliance

670 Harmon Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 Amanda Killilea akillilea@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2892 Service description: Donate gifts that will be delivered on Christmas Day to your neighbors who may be elderly, medically challenged or homebound and receive Meals-on-Wheels. Donation ideas include calendars; puzzle books; notecards and stamps; mugs; and personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, socks, lotions, colognes, and soap.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LifeCare Alliance

670 Harmon Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 Sandi Taylor staylor@lifecarealliance.org (614) 437-2899 Description: Donate gifts that will be delivered during holiday parties to older adults at our Senior Dining Centers. Donors are welcome to attend the holiday celebration at adopted centers!

Donation ideas include calendars, puzzle books, note cards and stamps, personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, soap, socks, lotions, cologne and mugs.

See DONATIONS on page 6

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Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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We provide free dental care “ to help people. If someone has a bad tooth, hopefully we can make them feel better. For some people, including kids, Care Day might be the only time they see a dentist all year.

We’re dentists, so we give away dental services for the holidays.”

— DR. RICK KUSHNER Comfort Dental President and Founder

31st annual Care Day set for Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014

Free dental care – The only opportunity for some to get care Comfort Dental will be hosting the 31st annual Care Day Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, offering free dental care to those in need. All Comfort Dental general dentistry offices throughout 13 states are participating including offices in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington and right here in central Ohio.

Offices will be open on December 24th from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The general public should contact their local Comfort Dental office for more information. For office locations see ComfortDental.com.

Beginning in Colorado in 1984, Comfort Dental has offered free dental care on Christmas Eve Day. Care Day was started 31 years ago as a way of improving accessibility to dental care. On Care Day, all services are free to anyone. Patients are helped

December 24 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Visit ComfortDental.com for details. on a first-come, first-served basis and receive a variety of basic dental care from cleanings to extractions.

More serious dental problems are handled on a case-by-base basis at the discretion of the individual dentist.

Nationally, approximately 300 Comfort Dental dentists and 2,500 staff members donate their time on Care Day. Last year on Care Day, Comfort Dental offices saw nearly 5,000 patients nationally, and gave away $1.5 million in free dental services. Since Care Day’s beginnings in 1984, Comfort Dental has given away over $20 million in dental services.

Comfort Dental President and Founder, Dr. Rick Kushner says, “We provide free dental care to help people. If someone has a bad tooth, hopefully we can make them feel better. For some people, including kids, Care Day might be the only time they see a dentist all year. We’re dentists, so we give away dental services for the holidays.”

Visit our website at ComfortDental.com or call (855) 808-0075 to learn more about our services offered at these area locations: WHITEHALL 614-231-1600 4545 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43213

GROVE CITY 614) 875-1100 2196 Stringtown Road Grove City, OH 43123

SAWMILL (614) 764-0400 6301 Sawmill Road Dublin, OH 43017

NORTH COLUMBUS (614) 794-7480 2610 E Dublin-Granville Road Columbus, OH 43231

DELAWARE (740) 362-2202 1179 Columbus Pike Delaware, OH 43017

GAHANNA (614) 471-7800 4693 Morse Road Gahanna, OH 43230

MARION (740) 386-6600 1598 Marion/Mt Gilead Road, Marion, OH 43302

HEATH (740) 788-8084 613 Hebron Road Heath, OH 43056

SPRINGFIELD (937) 525-0500 1270 Upper Valley Pike, Springfield, OH 45504

Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Donations Continued from page 4

Dates: Wrapped gifts will be accepted through December 5. Otherwise gifts must be dropped off by November 30.

Mental Health America of Franklin County 2323 West Fifth Avenue, Suite 160 Columbus, OH 43204 Maggie Hallett mhallett@mhafc.org (614) 221-1441 Service description: Collects gifts for patients of Twin Valley Behavioral Health who will be spending the holidays in the hospital. Desired gifts include clock radios, prepaid phone cards, headphones (ear buds or ones with no metal), stationary or greeting cards, yoga mats, Bicycle brand playing cards, men’s black or brown wallets, umbrellas, lunch totes, personal date books, calendars, sugar free candy, purses, bath sponges, individually packaged men’s hairbrushes/combs, men’s hand/body lotion, shampoo/ conditioner/hairbrushes for African Americans, deodorant, and various clothing items for both men and women (please call for needed sizes).

Dates: All gifts must be delivered to the MHAFC office by December 5. Gifts should not be wrapped, but wrapping paper may be donated.

Miracle on Long Street

St. Paul AME Church 639 East Long Street Columbus, OH 43215 Christi Holmes cholmesw@columbus.rr.com (614) 551-8611 Service description: Accepting gifts for the Miracle on Long Street event.

In need of the following items: new or gently used toys; winter hats, gloves and scarves; new underwear and socks; soap; deodorant; lotion; shampoo; toothbrushes and toothpaste; mouthwash; shaving supplies; clean, gently used clothing; new and used coats; new or used household items; and blankets.

Dates: Donations will be accepted Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church office until December 19 or during 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the days of the event (December 6, 13, 20).

Neighborhood Services

1950 North Fourth Street Columbus, OH 43201 Martin Butler info@neighborhoodservicesinc.org (614) 297-0592 Service description: Seeking holiday supplies to distribute to neighbors in need. Specifically looking for cans of vegetables, sweet potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, crunchy onion topping, boxed stuffing, jars of gravy, and if possible, fresh or frozen turkeys, hams or chickens. Also looking for gently used or new hats, mittens and coats for children.

Dates: Donations will be accepted Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other drop-off times can be arranged upon request.

Open Shelter

61 East Mound Street Columbus, OH 43215 Harry Yeprem openshelter@att.net (614) 222-2885 Service description: Seeking do-

nations for its “Ho Ho Hope for the Holidays” program. “Ho Ho Hope for the Holidays” exists to provide holiday cheer and help to approximately 450 men, women, and children who are homeless or marginally housed.

Specific donation requests include toiletries, outdoor clothing, small bags of candy and snacks, sealable plastic bags, gift cards, COTA bus passes, wrapping supplies, batteries, toys and games for children, turkeys and hams, and additional food items. Please call for additional donation requests.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through December 5. Please call Harry to schedule a drop-off time.

Restoration Christian Center 1570 S High Street P. O. Box 07861 Columbus, OH 43207 Elder Teresa Carter (614) 443-3181 Service description: Donations of toys, gift cards, electronics, games and/ or clothing are needed and gladly accepted for its Christmas program that serves low-income families in the 43207 area code.

Dates: Donations taken until December 8.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

578 East Main Street Columbus, OH 43215 Heather Swiger hswiger@colsdioc.org (614) 241-2569 Service description: Seeking donations of blankets and winter coats, especially for men and children.

Dates: Throughout the winter.

Stowe Mission of Central Ohio

888 Parsons Avenue Columbus, OH 43206 Carmelita Sanchez carmelitasanchez103@yahoo.com Service description: Seeking new toys for annual holiday toy giveaway in which parents are provided the opportunity to “shop” for gifts for their children. Gifts are needed for infant-age 12, as well as family games. Also seeking donations of outdoor winter clothing (hats, scarves, coats, gloves, etc.).

Dates: Gifts will be accepted through December 12. Winter clothing is accepted throughout the holiday season. Please call ahead before dropping off gifts.

United Methodist Children’s Home Family Services 1033 High Street Worthington, OH 43085 Kathy Evans kevans@umchohio.org (614) 885-5020 ext 562 Service description: Seeking unwrapped gifts for children of all ages who are in foster care or who receive outpatient care. Specific requests include educational toys, books, games, and athletic gear. Gift cards, especially for grocery stores, are also needed.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through the first week of December.

Volunteers of America 1776 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 Penny Savage

ThisWeekNews.com

penny.savage@voago.org (614) 253-6100 Service description: Thousands of homeless men, women and children will find refuge in one of Volunteers of America’s homeless shelters or housing programs this year. Give the gift of warmth this holiday season by collecting much needed hats, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets for our community’s homeless. Find more information at www.voago.org.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through February 1.

Volunteers of America

1776 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 Penny Savage penny.savage@voago.org (614) 253-6100 Service description: As clients leave Volunteers of America’s emergency and transitional housing programs, they often don’t have the basic necessities to make meals or sleep in their apartments. Seeking the following items to assemble housewarming kits: trash cans, laundry baskets, brooms, dustpans, hand soap, dish soap, all purpose cleaner, shower curtains, shower curtain rings, sponges, paper towels and toilet paper.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through February 1.

Volunteers of America

1776 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 Penny Savage penny.savage@voago.org (614) 253-6100 Service Description: It’s a struggle during the holidays for families who come to Volunteers of America seeking stable housing and positive education for their children to afford winter and holiday expenses. Give families hope this year by donating gift cards that will be used to help buy Christmas presents for children in their programs. Donors can also get in the spirit of giving by donating children’s hats, blankets, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks, coats, toys and games.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through December 19.

Volunteers of America

1776 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 Penny Savage penny.savage@voago.org (614) 253-6100 Service description: Homeless veterans in Volunteers of America’s emergency and transitional housing programs work to live self-sufficient lives, yet struggle with being able to afford the basic needs. Help homeless veterans reclaim their lives by donating hygiene kits. Kit items include body lotion, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, coffee for the groups, coffee filters, cookies, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brushes, Q-tips, white washcloths, hand cream, alcohol pads.

Dates: Donations will be accepted through February 1.

Youth Rise Against All Odds

2900 East Mound Street Columbus, OH 43209 Jynette Williams jynettewilliams@yahoo.com Service description: Seeking donations of toys, mittens, gloves, hats, underwear, and diapers for annual Christmas Gala that provides gifts for children through age 16.

Dates: Please call Jynette to set up a time to drop off donations.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this guide is deemed accurate and up-to-date. However, as self-reported data, HandsOn Central Ohio assumes no responsibility regarding the accuracy of the information or the quality of services provided by the practitioners included. Inclusion does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Created by HandsOn Central Ohio, October 2014. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without written permission from HandsOn Central Ohio.

Be the Change HandsOn Central Ohio inspires, equips and mobilizes people to create meaningful change in their lives and in their community. The agency is the region’s premiere information, resource referral, and volunteer mobilization organization, serving Greater Columbus for nearly 30 years. HandsOn Central Ohio serves more than 500,000 people across 29 Ohio counties each year, by providing community insights, access to critical needs, and volunteer support to provide access to safe and warm housing; nutritious meals; improved academic, social and emotional outcomes for young people; better public health; and to strengthen Central Ohio’s neighborhoods.

Last year HandsOn Central Ohio linked over 112,000 unique Franklin County residents with emergency food; placed adults into shelter over 5,000 times; scheduled free tax preparation appointments for over 5,000 households; and linked families to critical community resources, such as rent and utility payment assistance, substance abuse counseling, and holiday help over 146,000 times. Additionally, last year for all agency programs, the organization mobilized 6,838 volunteers for a total of 184,404 hours, contributing a value of $3,946,245 to our local community. For more information on HandsOn Central Ohio, please visit www.handsoncentralohio.org.

Season of Caring Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014

sales director: Doug Dixon

retail sales manager: Heather Kritter

Season of Caring is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Season of Caring is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act.

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Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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HELP US BRIDGE THE GAP FIND and FILL a need today.

Browse our database of over 300 projects in the diocese that need funding

A contribution in any amount helps these organizations bridge the gap

All organizations and requests are in alignment with our Catholic teachings

CHOOSE a need that is meaningful to YOU.

M AT E R I A L S TO T E AC H E N G L I S H

C O N F I R M AT I O N P R E PA R AT I O N

Dominican Learning C e n t e r, C o l u m b u s

St. Joseph Parish, Plain City

A S K : $2,470 (50% raised)

A S K : $13,700 (45% raised)

visit catholic-foundation.org/needs to browse over 300 projects

Keep Your Gifts in the Faith

257 East Broad Street Columbus OH 43215 866-298-8893

Season of Caring | Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Danielle Ford

Kroger Associate

Bruce Macaulay

President The Kroger Co., Columbus Division

ThisWeekNews.com

Josh Rostorfer Kroger Associate

Showing you care is easy at Kroger.

This holiday season, you can volunteer to end hunger every time you shop at Kroger.

Just round up your total or contribute to a coin box at any Kroger register today.

All donations benefit local food banks. Working together, we’re helping to feed hungry friends and neighbors across Central Ohio. You can make a difference. Together we win.

Š 2014 The Kroger Co.