Opportunities From: United Way of Central Ohio

Imagine a community where every child begins the school day feeling healthy, happy, well fed, safe and secure, with the resources and opportunities necessary to learn, develop and succeed. 

 What would that mean for their future? For the future of central Ohio? We believe it’s time to stop imagining. To change the current trajectory and act. 

 Success by Third Grade is a countywide, collective impact movement. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in education to help students succeed. Our approach focuses on three core indicators:   

Child Well-Being   Home and Family Stability   Safe and Supported at School  

 With the ambitious goal of ensuring all children in Franklin County are on a path to success by 2035, it is critical to keep spirits high and encourage not only our students and caregivers, but our teachers and educators too!  

 On Giving Tuesday we ask that our community help us by writing a positive message encouraging teachers. This is an easy way to make the day of our educators!  

 Please fill out the note below and we will send it to one of our partnering schools to share with teachers.  

 

Thank you again! 

We all know that winter in Ohio is no walk in the park. Snow and frigid temperatures are common from November all the way through March. By taking the time to create these thick fleece blankets, you can help keep someone warm this winter.

Add comfort and warmth during this time and make no-sew, fleece-tied blankets for homeless families and formerly homeless women residents. 

 

Materials:

Rolls of fleece (Optional) Roller Cutter Sharpies/Fabric Markers Fabric glue Scissors Ruler

Instructions: 

1. Use the scissors to cut two fabric sheets with pleasantly contrasting patterns into 60 x 54 rectangles. This can be done before the activity so that you can simply provide the fabric to the volunteers.

2. Use the scissors or roller cutter to cut a 3 x 3 square out of each corner of both sheets.

3. Use the scissors to cut slits 3 inches in and 1 inch across. It will look similar to the pink fabric pictured above. Make sure both fabric sheets have an equal number of strips and that each strip lines up with a strip on the other sheet.

4. Tie each strip to its corresponding mate on the other sheet. A simple square knot is enough. 

 

Additional Resources:

Downloadable Instructions 

Instructional Video

 

Finished products can be mailed or delivered to 360 S. 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215. Please call Brandi Davis at 614.227.2714 to make arrangements.

Step-by-Step Instructions What you will need A tightly woven cotton, such as a dress shirt, sheet, or similar material Rope elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also us 1/8” flat elastic) Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat) What to do

You can make two sizes: Adult or Child

Cut fabric 9.5" by 6.5" for an adult or 7.5" by 5" for a child. Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally Put right sides of fabric together Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner and stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back. Sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put an elastic with the edge out. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out. Pin three tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are the same direction Sew around the edge of the mask twice.

For No Sew options or instructional videos click here.

 

When masks are complete:

They items can be dropped off at
YMCA of Central Ohio
Mon-Tue between 11 am – 12 noon
40 W. Long Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Help feed Linden during these unprecedented times!

 

We need at least 50 volunteers to help us prepare food and serve it to the community! We are partnering with the Columbus Dream Center and the Children's Hunger Alliance to feed people throughout the area!

This will take place Monday-Friday 5pm-5:45pm

Volunteers will be needed from 4:30pm-6:15pm

If you can help in any way, that is much appreciated! Social distancing will be encouraged during this event. 

To sign up, click here.

Many of us are working from home, and are relying on technology to keep us connected. Some local nonprofits in our community, do not have access to hardware and software items that they need to continue to help those who are suffering during this global crisis.

A donation of any of the following items would make a huge impact for our community:

Tablets (new, used or loaned) Laptops  (new, used or loaned) Camera for videoconferencing (new, used or loaned) Wifi hotspots (new, used or loaned) Smartphones (new, used or loaned) Teleconferencing/Videoconferencing subscription access (or software) ie. Zoom, Skype, etc

 

If you or your business have access to these items or would like to donate to help agencies get access to much-needed tech resources, please reach out to Brandi Davis at brandi.davis@uwcentralohio.org or call 614-227-2714. Thank You!!