Give back to Columbus

30 volunteer opportunities in Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Dream Center mission statement is “A heart for Columbus dedicated to bringing hope.” | Photo via The Columbus Dream Center |

Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Columbus to support with your time. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 30 ways to get involved in Columbus.

For the outdoorsy types

Columbus Recreation and Parks | Lend a hand at a litter cleanup, produce market, or through conservation efforts.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks | Make sure the trails are safe, plant wetlands, or assist with horticulture.

If you want to help your neighbors in need

LifeCare Alliance | Deliver food through the Meals-On-Wheels program or assist in the local food pantry.
The Columbus Dream Center | Help those experiencing homelessness by serving meals, gardening to provide nutritious meals, or volunteering when individuals come in for showers + laundry to make a relationship with them.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio | Become a mentor to children ages five through young adulthood and take your mentee to different activities or adventures.
All THAT — Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow | Build a lasting relationship with a teen by assisting with schoolwork, career searching, and life skills.

24 MORE WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

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Today

Columbus Clippers vs. Indianapolis Indians | Wed., Sept. 28 | 6:15 p.m. | Huntington Park | $8+ | This is the last Clippers game of the season and all hot dogs are ten cents for Dime-A-Dog Night. ⚾
UA Farmers Market | Wed., Sept. 28 | 4-7 p.m. | Upper Arlington Library, 2800 Tremont Rd. | Free | Shop local produce and goods, rain or shine. 🥬

Thursday

Jurassic World Tour Live | Thurs., Sept. 29-Sun., Oct. 2 | Times vary | The Schottenstein Center | $15+ | See the dinosaurs from “Jurassic Park” like never before in this family-friendly theatrical performance. 🦖

Friday

Wheel of Fortune Live! | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. | $69 | This long-running television game show will be hosted by Mark L. Walberg.
Honey and Blue | Fri., Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | Natalie’s Music Hall & Kitchen, 945 King Ave. | $12 | Enjoy a blend of pop and soul, fronted by singers and songwriters Adam Darling + Stephanie Amber. 🎶

Saturday

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers | Sat., Oct. 1 | 3:30 p.m. | Ohio Stadium | $51+ | The undefeated Buckeyes face the 3-1 Scarlet Knights for homecoming. 🏈

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

59º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Development

A $350 million 26-acre site called The Fort is planned for south of downtown. Apartments, entertainment, and restaurants are in the plans for the project. Some tenants include City Winery + Honest Friend, a new brewery. 🏢 (Columbus Business First)

Community

Former Mayor Michael B. Coleman discussed plans for the new strategic plan downtown yesterday. Plans include 40,000 new residents by 2040, more activities along the Scioto riverfront, and affordable housing. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Saturday is The Ohio State University’s homecoming + also the official celebration of The Shoe turning 100. Ohio Stadium will be honored during Saturday’s football game. Script Ohio will also be formed by TBDBITL pregame and during halftime. 🏟️

Try This

The Columbus Zoo is hosting a sensory-friendly Halloween character “Meet and Treat” experience on Sun., Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be reduced sounds, decreased visual stimulation, and controlled crowds without any scary Halloween activities. 🎃
The Old Worthington Fall Crawl will be held on Thurs., Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. For $25, you can stroll to 15 businesses in the historic business district of Worthington and receive fall treats at each stop. Tickets are available now. 🍂

Eat

Subourbon Southern Kitchen is offering breakfast for dinner tonight only. Some featured menu items for tonight include pimento cheese biscuits, a crab cake benny, and ham, egg, and cheese hot pockets. 🍽️

Watch

Coach Ryan Day previewed this weekend’s game against Rutgers during a press conference yesterday. When discussing the team’s play-calling, Day said, “At the end of the day, get the ball to your best players ... it’s as simple as that.” 🏈

Asked

What’s one fall activity you’re wanting to try this season? Is it a haunted house, corn maze, or maybe something totally different? Let us know.

Job

We’re hiring a Sales Executive to lead our advertising relationships in Columbus. This exec would oversee the entire CBUS territory, pitching the most relevant and modern media offering in town while earning a competitive salary with unlimited PTO. Want more info? Learn more + apply.

Number

20,988. That’s how many newsletter subscribers (like you) we reach every day through CBUStoday. Have a local, regional, or national business and want to expand your audience? Learn how to advertise with us.

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Sports

Q+A with Justice Sueing

Justice Sueing is a redshirt senior. | Photo by CBUStoday

After sitting out all but two games last season due to an injury, Justice Sueing is back to 100% — or as he said at media day, 110%. We talked with the forward on his return and leadership for the upcoming season.

What went into your decision to return to Ohio State and play this year?

I couldn’t see myself being anywhere other than Ohio State with the bond I’ve grown with the coaches and some of the players here. I couldn’t leave without having a year under my belt that I felt like I’ve made an impact on this program.

This is going to be a young team, how is the chemistry so far?

It’s been going really well and a lot of the younger guys have been able to gel in with us and it feels really comfortable. We’re all going to figure out a way to make it work.