Finding a way to give back to your community is a rewarding experience and there are countless opportunities to make a real difference right here in Columbus, Ohio. From helping those facing food insecurity to supporting local animal shelters, the perfect place to volunteer is waiting for you.
Here are 10 of the best volunteer opportunities in Columbus, Ohio to help you find a cause you’re passionate about.
1) Homeless shelter. By volunteering at a homeless shelter, you’ll be able to give hope to those who need it the most. Faith Mission, run by Lutheran Social Services, provides shelter and services to neighbors facing hunger and homelessness. They particularly need help in the kitchen and serving meals.
2) Food bank. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Ohio’s largest food bank, serves a 20-county area and partners with more than 600 food pantries. Every moment you serve helps to get fresh food to neighbors who need it most. Learn how to volunteer at a food bank here.
3) Animal welfare. Columbus Humane has been providing care for domesticated animals since 1883. Volunteers can help by providing care for the animals, greeting visitors, offering administrative support and more.
4) Children’s healthcare. Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the country, has been helping and healing kids for more than 125 years. There are many opportunities to do good when volunteering with children, like bringing them joy during some of the toughest times of their young lives.
5) Outdoor opportunities. Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks features 20 parks covering almost 30,000 acres. Volunteer opportunities include naturalists, trail monitors, garden maintenance, even working on a historical farm!
6) Senior service. LifeCare Alliance has been promoting senior health and independence since 1898. Through their organization, you can serve through their Meals-on-Wheels program, in the kitchen, assisting in the cancer clinic and more.
7) Mentoring kids. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Ohio works to clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future by matching them with a caring adult mentor in a one-to-one friendship. It’s a great way to impact a kid’s life. Learn how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister!
7) Helping people with disabilities. Special Skills Sports Camps are sports fantasy camps specifically designed and adapted for the special needs community. Volunteers help run skill stations, lead participants and so much more.
8) Support the arts. Organizations like the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) rely on their volunteers to help supply their wealth of programming to the community. CAC volunteers provide support in a variety of ways from assisting in the art shop to greeting guests at exhibition receptions.
9) Help build a house. Habitat for Humanity-Mid Ohio brings people together to inspire hope, build homes, empower families and develop communities. They serve over 100 families a year – and you don’t need construction skills to help!
10) Support veterans. The Ohio Department of VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) supports those who have served in numerous ways — finding community, assisting families and helping our heroes at VA medical facilities.
No matter what you’re passionate about, volunteering in Columbus is a powerful way to strengthen our community. Whether you choose to help a local animal shelter, give hope to those in need at a homeless shelter or assist a food bank in providing food assistance, every hour you give makes a tangible difference. So, what cause will you choose to support?