Volunteering in Central Ohio: A Guide to Community Engagement

Columbus Gives Back is a great way for those looking to get involved in their local community. This organization provides engaging, social, and rewarding volunteer opportunities for 26% of the population in Central Ohio. From Colony Cats, a dog and cat rescue center that doesn't kill animals, to Dreams on Horseback, which offers equine education and therapeutic horseback riding programs for people with special needs, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is another great organization that works to ensure all families in Central Ohio have access to furnished homes.

LEON is a network and cooperative of individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies committed to fostering a healthy Latino community in Central Ohio. There are also many opportunities to help alleviate financial stress by volunteering with organizations that support those in need. People can donate their time in dozens of areas, such as career counseling, business resource organizations and intervention programs, summer youth programs, and rehabilitation programs. Volunteers can help in gardening workshops; help plant, sow, and remove weeds; build structures and signs in the garden; and participate in digital marketing and fundraising projects.

The YMCA of Central Ohio promotes holistic and healthy living by providing resources to be physically healthy, have a healthy family, and have a healthy self-image through fitness, sports, and fun. Finding the right volunteer opportunity can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make it easier, we've selected a few organizations to get you started. An online tool where people can find opportunities to volunteer with local non-profit organizations that collaborate with the United Way of Central Ohio is available.

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective provides more than 170,000 meals a day to people in need in eastern and central Ohio. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio provides mentoring and summer camps for young people facing adversity. Teenage volunteers work in many areas such as the information desk, the gift store, the clubhouse for siblings, the waiting rooms of the clinics, the centers close to the home, and in offices. If you're looking for ways to give back to your community while making a difference in someone's life, volunteering is an excellent option. With so many organizations offering volunteer opportunities in Central Ohio, there's something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a one-time commitment or an ongoing project, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make an impact.

Keisha Kreuziger
Keisha Kreuziger

Hipster-friendly food nerd. Evil bacon specialist. Avid food practitioner. Infuriatingly humble web fanatic. Friendly travel lover. Subtly charming social media aficionado.