Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Columbus

Volunteering with the Grateful Acres Pets Sanctuary & Adoption Junior Advocate Program gives young people a meaningful way to champion animal rescue and welfare in their community. Participants assist with awareness-raising, social media advocacy, and light volunteer tasks, while also learning about responsible pet care and adoption. It’s a fun, educational opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact on homeless pets.

Volunteering with the Reading Buddies program at the Columbus Library helps young readers build confidence and improve their literacy skills through one-on-one reading sessions. Volunteers serve as mentors and role models, making reading fun and engaging for children. It’s a rewarding way to foster a lifelong love of learning and support the local community.

Volunteering with Special Olympics Ohio provides the chance to support and empower athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports and community events. Volunteers assist with coaching, event setup, timing, and cheering on participants, helping to create an inclusive and uplifting atmosphere. It's a meaningful way to promote acceptance, celebrate ability, and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Volunteering with Wagons Ho Ho Ho brings joy to children in need by building and delivering wagons filled with food and Christmas gifts. Volunteers help assemble wagons, pack holiday meals, and spread cheer to families across Central Ohio. It’s a heartwarming way to make the holiday season brighter for others through teamwork and generosity.

Erika Roh... said:  Wagons Ho Ho Ho provides food and "Christmas cheer" to kids and families in need. Each year they have 1 "Build Day" where volunteers actually build the wagons (1,500 of them!) and then they are later filled and given out for Christmas. The "Build Day" is crowded and loud but very fun for the family, especially if you like assembling things! They also need help with organizing the collected food and packing the Christmas bags so check out their volunteer opportunities and sign up.

Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio supports families with seriously ill children by providing comfort, care, and a home-away-from-home. Volunteers assist with tasks such as preparing meals, cleaning, organizing donations, and helping with family activities. It’s a compassionate way to ease the stress of hospitalization and bring warmth to families during difficult times.

Erika Roh... said:  There are many wonderful volunteer opportunities for kids at the Ronald McDonald House. With adult supervision, kids under 18 can participate in baking treats, hosting activities for the RMH families, making welcome blankets, and creating snack bags.

The Broad Street Food Pantry supports neighbors by providing healthy meals on their tables with respect and dignity for all. They welcome youth volunteers.

Volunteering with United Way of Central Ohio connects community members to meaningful projects that address local needs like education, housing, and financial stability. Volunteers contribute their time and skills through various events, drives, and mentoring opportunities, thereby strengthening the community.

See Kids Dream creates service learning programs aimed toward children ages 8-14. The program empowers students to identify local issues they care about and take meaningful action to address them. It’s a powerful way to help young people see that they can make a real difference in their world.

Anna Beth Smith said:  See Kids Dream offers quarterly volunteer events for families that blend education and service. Before each family service project, See Kids Dream sends discussion activities to encourage kids to research and understand needs in their communities. Each service project is different.

Intended for kids in elementary and middle school. However siblings are welcome to participate. Parent participation in the service project is required.

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels helps deliver nutritious meals and companionship to seniors, supporting their independence and well-being.

Katie G. said:  Spend some quality family time together while helping to deliver meals to the elderly with the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers will be asked to visit the local center to pick up meals, typically during lunch time, and deliver them to senior citizens in the area. Enjoy a quick chat with your client before heading off to your next stop. Each volunteer session lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours and volunteers must have their own cars.

Volunteering with Seeds of Caring empowers kids to make a difference through hands-on service, social action, and kindness projects. Families and groups work together on activities like assembling care kits, supporting local nonprofits, and learning about community issues. It’s a meaningful way to nurture empathy, compassion, and civic responsibility in young people.

Junior Volunteers at Columbus Humane gain hands-on experience caring for animals while learning about compassion and responsible pet ownership. Participants assist with tasks like socializing animals, helping at events, and supporting staff with daily shelter needs. Junior Volunteers, ages 12-15 years old, may volunteer with an Adult Volunteer Partner over the age of 21.

The Book Buddies Program is a great way for kids to practice their reading, while also showing some love to the felines waiting for their forever home. Children must be at least six years of age to participate.

Common Ground Free Store is just what it sounds like - a store where everything is free! They provide free clothing, housewares, meals, and more in a safe and welcoming environment. They invite individuals, families, and groups to sign up to volunteer. Every person and skill set can be a part of making a difference!

Volunteers at the Columbus Zoo assist with educational programs, special events, and guest services to enhance the zoo experience. The ZooAid Program is open to kids entering grades 8-12 and focuses on the customer service side of the Zoo, so teens will be interacting with guests while learning about animals. It’s a fun and fulfilling way to connect with animals, people, and the mission of protecting the natural world.

Volunteering at the Hilliard Food Pantry helps provide nutritious food and essential support to individuals and families facing hunger in the community. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, packing groceries, and distributing food to clients in a welcoming environment.