Donor Opportunities

Introduction

Franklin County Children Services provides protection and care for abused, neglected and dependent children and troubled youth through its many programs and services. In addition, the agency welcomes help from the community to make children's lives brighter and to offer them opportunities to participate in activities that help build confidence and self-esteem. Citizens who want to be involved in helping children can take part in the donor opportunities listed below. All donations are tax deductible.

Holiday Wish Program

Every child looks forward to the joy and magic of the holiday season. But without the help of the community, more than 5,000 abused, neglected, and troubled children will have no one to provide their holiday gifts. These children are under the care of Children Services and may live in their own homes, with relatives, in foster homes, or in residential care. You can make a difference for children in our community by generously supporting Children Services' Holiday Wish. Each year, individuals, community groups, organizations, church groups and businesses give generously to help these children know that someone cares about them.

The Holiday Wish program at Franklin County Children Services is the perfect example of giving and receiving. This special program allows children under the care of Children Services to make a wish for a special toy or gift. Each child age 11 and younger selects a toy or gift valued at $40, and each youth 12 and older will receive a $50 gift certificate. Cash donation and new toy donations are also needed. For more information, contact Holiday Wish at 614.275.2525 or Email us.

The Children's Fund

The Children's Fund is a separate Franklin County Children Services account that was started more than 40 years ago when the agency was named in several wills. Donors wanted to provide the children who were living away from their families with "special things" that Children Services could not use tax dollars to provide. The Children's Fund has helped thousands of children to attend special summer camps, take part in sports, have music or art lessons, or go on school trips.

A portion of the Children's Fund is designated for the Jack Donahue Scholarship Fund. Donahue was a former Deputy Director of Franklin County Children Services, and spent his entire career of more than 40 years in the child welfare profession. Each year, one scholarship is granted to a foster youth who is going to a four-year college or university in Ohio, and one scholarship goes to a foster youth who will be attending a two-year school. The scholarships are renewable as long as the students remain in good standing.

The Citizens Advisory Committee of Franklin County Children Services has established guidelines for requests from the Children's Fund, and approves each request. A sub-committee also reviews applications for the scholarships. More than 100 children and teens receive help each year. All contributions to the Children's Fund are tax deductible, and all money received must be spent on special requests or events for children. For more information, call 614.275.2633 or Email us.

Agency Donations

Franklin County Children Services will accept donations of any kind for the children and families we serve. The agency is particularly in need of infant and toddler clothing, school supplies, toys, games and other small household items such as bedding or towels. For more information, call 614.275.2736 or Email us.

Children's Day at COSI

Franklin County Children Services celebrates and honors children during the annual Children's Day celebration at COSI. Each year the generous support of corporate donations covers the cost of admission for abused and neglected children to get in free to COSI. This family event is a unique opportunity for all children to get in free to COSI - a fun, hands-on interactive and educational facility. Many children who attend the Children's Day celebration would not be able to experience COSI if it were not for the special promotion and corporate sponsored free admission. In addition, there are a variety of activities and entertainment on this special day, including musical performances, costumed characters, drawings for prizes and many children's activities. This is a community event that includes publicity opportunities for sponsors. The next celebration of Children's Day will be on Sunday, September 21, 2008. For more information, call 614.275.2520 or Email us.