I worked for Faith Mission as a Resident Assistant Supervisor and it was a spiritual experience and…read moreuplifting situation for myself and the people I met. I tried to make everyone that I met at the shelter feel better and valued, including the staff. At times the upper management were a lot to deal with, Mr. Williams was my supervisor; a black man, ex marine , republican, who constantly kept a frown on his face and never a friendly word to the staff. I worked in both of the men shelters, and their was always some major scandal with residents or staff that needed hands on repair and one time.... News reporting that end up evicting residents and eventually getting staff fired for alerting the news media. I wrote about these stories in my book; HEY PUDDIN! Some Things Just Don't Change by MYCHAELTODD

The staff is very rude to downright mean as can be to the "guests" at the 217 N Grant location…read more I've witnessed it and have been on the receiving end of their nasty ways. Reporting to higher ups will go ignored and they'll say just that to your face. They'll lie to in order to scream and yell at homeless women at this shelter. If they acknowledge them at all, that is. You will be treated like literal crap and they know that you'll have to take it or be "exited" meaning kicked out into the elements. Always remember your faith and relationship with the Most High Almighty when you're used as a chew toy daily by the front desk staff.

I highly praise this organization. I have noticed that…read morethere are millions of dollars raised for the Race for the Cure and Cancer Research projects. This is going on while families and survivors are out there starving, using up their savings and having to almost beg for health care, meds, or such and just day to day rent, mortgage, utilities, and food. This is the only organization in central Ohio trying to help families survive daily expenses. This organization is in need of funding because right now they have a waiting list of families in need of help. If a fraction of the funds given to the American Cancer Foundation, Race for the Cure, the Stephanie Spelman or Susan G. Komen foundations were given, the organization would be able to help and take care of those in need on the waiting list. They also would be able to hire people to go do outreach and home care. This organization needs continued funding and help to help others. So if you can, give into this excellent reputable organization then please do.

My first experience with Columbus Gives Back was working with the group as a nonprofit partner. I…read morewas in need of volunteers for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 5K walk. The leadership was great at communicating throughout the recruitment process. At the event, all staff members who worked with the volunteers loved doing so and the volunteers had great feed back too. I've also had the pleasure of volunteering myself. I love that the group offers a variety of organizations to become involved with. The flexibility has provided me a volunteer experience that works with my schedule. The other volunteers have always been wonderful and I know I'll continue to volunteer and recommend to friends. Thanks to Columbus Gives Back!

I can't even begin to describe how much volunteering with Columbus Gives Back has changed my…read moreinvolvement in Central Ohio. I have made legitimate friendships and had meaningful volunteering experiences. Sometimes, you just need to do something for someone else and CGB is an easy way to connect to volunteering events in the Columbus area. My favorite events locations include Meals on Wheels with LifeCare Alliance and the YWCA Family Center. Not only has CGB helped me help out the community, but I've had a chance to try some amazing restaurants with the volunteers after the events. I would highly recommend volunteering with this group if you're looking to meet people and do something good in the Columbus area.

I absolutely love this food pantry. You can visit twice a month and you can receive produce, meat,…read moretoiletries, fruit, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, cereal and more! The staff are very friendly and helpful and they are always are willing to help with a smile. I really like the hours. The hours are convenient, and keep in mind the working family. For example, they have early Saturday hours, and two days during the week with one day in the morning and one day in the evening. Therefore, if you work a traditional 9 to 5 you can come after work. The lines are long though! Before COVID-19, we were able to go inside and shop. However, the Hilliard food pantry takes the pandemic very seriously and they converted to a drive-through method. You drive up, give them your information, and they load up your trunk. They do this very quickly but you will be in the line for a bit. There are some days that I come and things are very in and out, about 10 minutes. And there are other days where I'm there for almost an hour in the line. I can tell you that it's worth it. For struggling families, they do so much. Sometimes they have clothes, and shoes as well that have been donated. They even offer assistance during Thanksgiving and Christmas which includes food as well as toys. And the toys are good, they give bicycles almost every year. They also offer utility assistance once a year. The people here are just amazing. I said that already but I think I should say it again. Full disclosure here, I have pretty intense back and hip problems. One time I pulled up onto the line at the pantry, and my hip totally locked up on me. I was already in park but I couldn't lift my foot to the gas pedal. So, I was essentially holding up the line... unable to get out of the way or move forward. I called the pantry and told them the situation. Two women came out to help me! I am appreciative of what the Hilliard food pantry does for my family. Thank you!

Conveniently located in Hilliard just off Fishinger, the Arthritis Foundation is an excellent…read moreresource in the community. Currently they are planning the Crystal Ball gala fundraiser. Other community interactions include a Wine and Dine, the Jingle Bell Run and a walk at the Zoo in April. Good people that truly support folks.

This is the main office in Columbus, and I guess I figured it would be a busy place to give blood…read more It's not, at least, it wasn't on a Monday. Small blood drive area upstairs, a steady stream of people but only a couple of us at a time. Staff were super friendly and helpful. I did the fast-pass thing online and that does save some time, but there are still a lot of questions here, plus blood pressure, etc. Did the power red for the first time. A little slower than a regular donation, because it pulls blood out and separates it, then rehydrates you. So maybe helps recovery time. Still sat and had a snack afterwards, just in case. If you are able, this is a simple, easy thing to do that helps a lot of people. Plus you get a snack, and usually a gift like a t-shirt, gift card, etc. I do it because my dad did, and then after 9/11 it felt like my duty to help. Plus blood drives at work meant an hour break!

I started volunteering with the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus over two years ago. In that…read moretime I have had the opportunity to honor First Responders, Veterans, and Volunteers through the 2018 Heroes Gala. We honored outstanding people who went above and beyond to help their community in their chosen field. One of the most fun events I participated in was the Sound the Alarm program in which we tested and replaced smoke detectors throughout the Greater Columbus area. This was a great opportunity to volunteer in a small group, meet amazing people, make new friends, and help to make sure our neighbors were protected and had plans to evacuate their home in case of a fire. I am currently working with the Recruitment Team to bring awareness to the various opportunities the Red Cross has to help alleviate human suffering. Whether it is by volunteering as a Blood Donor Ambassador, working at Blood Drives, or volunteering to drive in our Blood Transportation area, it allows people to be a part of helping to save countless lives. There are also opportunities in Disaster Response and Relief to help be the best part of a person's worst day. From major natural disasters to a home fire in the middle of the night, these dedicated volunteers are always ready to respond. I am honored to play a part in recruiting new volunteers and seeing them flourish and gain a sense of satisfaction by helping. The American Red Cross of Greater Columbus is an amazing organization and I am so glad that I began to volunteer and know that I will continue to volunteer for many years to come.

Easy to schedule, easy to find, quick and easy donation…read more In the mall by the movie theater, with plenty of parking. Great staff, from check-in to blood draw. I got there early and they were able to get me started. Use their app to update your info ahead of time (I did it while standing there, just took a few minutes, but could save you time.) I hadn't donated in awhile, so they filled me in on changes (the app, some exercises, etc.) Everything went smoothly. Hang out for snacks afterwards.

I am an emergency physician in Ohio. And last night the Red Cross helped us save a life. We had a…read more40 year old man come in with esophageal bleeding after a liver transplant. We used 48 blood products from the Red Cross including blood, platelets and FFP. The man survived to get to a transplant center and is doing well. We had to go on trauma diversion because we had no blood products we used everything in the Red Cross was able to get us blood products within five hours so we could then help save traumas again. Donating really does save lives. This man can now possibly live a full life.

HOCO is a great place to be and get access to things like:…read more - Community information (headquarters of 211 for central ohio) - Food pantry referrals (just call 341-2282 between 7a and 4p to schedule an appointment, M-F. The earlier the better) - Copa shelter line They also see walk-in food appointments from 9a-12p which is useful for if you don't have a phone. COPA doesn't do walk-ins but 211 does. Great service.