How to Help

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Storm Response Active. The organizations below have confirmed they need volunteers right now. Updated August 13, 2026.

Columbus neighbors are stepping up to help one another recover. The best way to help is to connect with organizations already coordinating relief efforts. Contact them directly to sign up.

Organizations That Need Volunteers Now

Each organization below has confirmed an immediate need for volunteers. Visit their website to sign up or learn more.

Children's Hunger Alliance

What you will do. Pack meals and assemble boxes at 6660 Busch Boulevard.

Location. 6660 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229

Sign up to volunteer with Children's Hunger Alliance

Broad Street Food Pantry

What you will do. Pack groceries for shoppers who come to the pantry weekday mornings.

Learn more and volunteer with Broad Street Food Pantry

Neighborhood Services Inc.

What you will do. Join the NSI Food Pantry as a Pantry Assistant. Help keep the pantry running strong by aiding neighbors as they shop, stocking shelves, receiving deliveries, sorting donations, greeting neighbors, and more. This essential work ensures neighbors are welcomed into a space that is safe, efficient, and full of care.

Location. 1950 North 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201

Sign up to volunteer with Neighborhood Services Inc.

Mid-Ohio Food Collective

What you will do. When you volunteer, you help feed families while building a stronger community. Every hour you give helps get fresh food to people who need it. Whether you are sorting food at Mid-Ohio Foodbank, helping at Mid-Ohio Farm, or greeting shoppers at a Mid-Ohio Market, you are part of ending hunger in our community.

Sign up to volunteer with Mid-Ohio Food Collective

South Side Thrive Collaborative

What you will do. Help pick up trash and keep the area clean, welcoming, and safe for everyone. Whether you are volunteering on your own or coming with a group, this is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, support a cleaner community, and be part of something positive on the South Side.

Learn more and volunteer with South Side Thrive Collaborative

Check on a Neighbor

You do not have to be affiliated with an organization to help. One of the most powerful things you can do right now is check on someone near you.

Older adults, people with disabilities, people who live alone, people with medical equipment that needs power, and people without transportation are most at risk after a severe storm.

A knock on the door, a phone call, or an offer to drive someone to a cooling or charging site can make a real difference.

If you check on a neighbor and believe they are in danger or need emergency help, call 911. For a non-emergency welfare check, call 311 at 614-645-3111.

Volunteer Safety

If you are volunteering in storm affected areas, protect yourself.

Wear closed toe shoes and gloves when working around debris. Do not enter buildings that have structural damage without clearance from a professional. Stay hydrated and take breaks in a cool space, since heat exhaustion during cleanup is a real risk when the power is out. Do not work in standing water if there is any possibility of an electrical hazard. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Find Other Ways to Help

Additional volunteer opportunities across Central Ohio are listed at POINT (pointapp.org) and through the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.

Questions? Call 311 at 614-645-3111.

Page last updated: August 13, 2026 | Content owner: Mayor's Office | Publisher: Department of Technology | Volunteer needs change during storm response. Check with each organization before traveling.

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