Central Ohio Christmas Programs
Central Ohio Area Services Central Ohio Christmas Programs Information
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree Program makes it easy to bring holiday joy to children in need right here in Central Ohio. By selecting an "angel" tag from an Angel Tree, you can provide a local child with meaningful, personalized gifts this Christmas. Each tag displays a child’s age, gender, and holiday gift wishes, allowing you to make a direct and lasting impact. Last year, thanks to generous donors, The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program provided over 20,000 toys in Central Ohio, allowing thousands of local children to experience the joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning—and with your help, we hope to reach even more this year.
How You Can Get Involved
Simple ways to participate in the Angel Tree Program:
- Shop Online Through Our Virtual Angel Tree (closed for 2025): Use our online registry with Amazon or Walmart to shop from anywhere. Gifts will be sent directly to our offices for distribution, making it easy and convenient to participate.
- Donate Monetarily: For those who prefer, a financial contribution is a powerful way to support the program. Each donation helps us purchase gifts and meet the specific needs of the children.
A Box of Hope for Central Ohio Families
The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is proud to bring the spirit of Christmas directly to families in need with the Red Box Program. For just $75, you can provide a family with everything they need for a memorable holiday meal, including:
- A delicious Christmas breakfast.
- A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
- A family game to enjoy together.
While our boxes may now be white to conserve costs, the compassion and joy they bring remain unchanged.
Double Your Impact This Season!
Thanks to the generosity of our matching donors, Jeff & Lisa Edwards, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000. That means your $75 donation provides meals and joy for two families instead of one.
Our Impact Last Year
- 6,400 families received a Red Box filled with meals and joy.
- Thousands of children experienced the magic of Christmas morning, thanks to generous donors like you.
Your Support Matters! By participating in the Red Box program, you're doing more than providing food—you're giving families hope and togetherness during the holiday season. Together, we can ensure no one in Central Ohio feels forgotten this Christmas.
Christmas Cheer Program
Please note: Sign-ups for 2025 Christmas Assistance will start in October 2025.
The Christmas season brings hope, joy, and togetherness. For families in need, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio offers support through our annual Christmas Cheer Program, providing toys for children (14 and under) and hearty food boxes to make the season brighter. This service is available to families across Franklin County.
Download Flyers
- Franklin County (English)
- Franklin County Español (Spanish)
- Franklin County Creole - Coming Soon
Program Details
Our Christmas Cheer Program provides:
- Toys for children aged 14 and under
- Food boxes with items to help you celebrate with a hearty holiday meal
Note: Distribution of toys and food boxes will take place during the week before Christmas. Keep scrolling for more information.
Register for Christmas Cheer
No Appointment Necessary. Registration for Christmas Cheer is available at multiple locations across Columbus. Please bring the required documentation to one of the locations listed below.
Required Documents:
- Picture Identification for the head of household (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, employee ID).
- Proof of Dependents for all household members, including birth dates (e.g., birth certificates, shot records, Job and Family Services printout).
Electronic documents are accepted.
Social Security cards or numbers are not required.
2025 Registration Locations, Dates, & Times
Please visit one of the following locations below on the specified dates to complete your registration.
Registration will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from October 25 to December 4, 2025.
Click on one of the locations below to learn more.
The Salvation Army East Main Worship and Service Center
Address: 966 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: 614-437-2153
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, October 25: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday, November 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 19: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, November 20: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 1: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Salvation Army Hilltop Worship and Service Center
Address: 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: 614-274-7600 ext. 201
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, October 25: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday, November 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 19: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, November 20: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 1: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Salvation Army Citadel Worship and Service Center
Address: 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43224
Phone: 614-262-8450 ext. 205
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, October 25: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday, November 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 19: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, November 20: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 1: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Salvation Army/Stowe Mission Center
Address: 888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone: 614-449-8066
Dates & Times:
- Monday, November 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 19: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, November 20: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 1: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Salvation Army Chapel at Worthington Woods
Address: 760 Worthington Woods Blvd., Columbus, OH 43081
Phone: 614-846-1884 ext. 10
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, October 25: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday, November 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 5: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 19: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, November 20: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Monday, December 1: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 3: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, December 4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the Red Kettle Tradition
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is more than a fundraiser—it’s a community movement. Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared moment supports families in need all year long. Whether you volunteer to ring the bell, host a Virtual Red Kettle, or donate directly, your contribution brings hope to Central Ohio.
Volunteer to Ring the Bell
Help us cover over 20,000 hours of bell ringing this season and make a real difference in Central Ohio. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s single largest fundraiser, and the funds raised support essential, year-round programming for families and individuals in need.
- Who can volunteer? Individuals, families, churches, businesses, and community groups—everyone is welcome!
- Dates and Times: November 15th through December 24th, Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Locations: Choose from over 80 convenient spots throughout Central Ohio.
- It’s easy and fun: A great way to spread holiday cheer while making an impact.
Sign up today at RegisterToRing.com or contact us at CentralOhioKettles@use.SalvationArmy.org for more information.
Host a Virtual Red Kettle
Support the campaign from anywhere by creating your Virtual Red Kettle. It’s an easy, impactful way to raise funds online.
- Visit our Virtual Red Kettle page and click "Become a Fundraiser."
- Set up a personalized fundraising page.
- Share your kettle with friends, family, and coworkers.
- Watch your efforts help provide food, emergency assistance, and other vital services in Central Ohio.
Make double the impact! Every dollar raised through your Virtual Red Kettle will be matched by generous donors, doubling the difference you make.
Start your Virtual Red Kettle today!
Donate to the Red Kettle Campaign
Your gift goes directly toward helping those in need—365 days a year. Every dollar provides vital services like:
- Meals for hungry families.
- Emergency assistance during crises.
- Pathways to a brighter future through job training and youth programs.
Donate in-person: Find a Red Kettle near you and drop in your donation.
Donate digitally: Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo at any Red Kettle.
Other Services
