News Stories

This Earth Day, it’s time to start rethinking our imprint on the planet - and how we “go green.” Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana makes it easy to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Joe Powers, Veteran and Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana supporter, delivers a Message of Hope to all veterans this Veterans Day.

Our thrift stores are a treasure trove of items for every conceivable costume. Take a look at these 10 costume ideas that you can find today.

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that you will find either people celebrate it or it’s just another day. Whether you choose to celebrate or not, style blogger Beverly Adams shows how you can help look pulled together without breaking the bank.

Giving back to your community is as easy as giving away your stuff. Check out how you can make the most out of your thrift store donation.

Pun costumes can be clever and funny ways to stand out among the sea of ghosts and witches this Halloween.

It shouldn’t be a big secret how thrift stores operate, sort donations and how much they value the clothes and household items donated by community members like you. The proceeds of Volunteers of America thrift stores support life-saving programs for community members in need.

So, you know that you want to participate in Operation Backpack® but now what? There are a few ways to get involved, allowing you to choose the method that works best for you. Let's go through all the ways you can give homeless children in Ohio confidence.

When you host a back-to-school backpack and school supply drive for Operation Backpack®, you help prepare kids in need with the tools to succeed in school.

Thrift stores are one of the best places to stock up on affordable picture frames. But, what if you want to display your photos in a way that’s as unique as you? Check out some thrifty ways you can post pictures around the house, all made with materials that can be picked up at the thrift shop.

In one easy trip to your local thrift store, you can donate your old clothes and go on a new spring clothes shopping spree that won’t break your piggy bank.

Columbus fashion blogger Candace Read shares her thrifting adventure and how she found a chic date night look for less than $20.

Take a behind-the-scenes peek at how your donations go from your driveway to out onto the sales floor. We'll walk you step-by-step through our sorting process.

Looking for some affordable ways to stay warm this winter? Check out Volunteers of America thrift stores. You can find everything you need during these bitterly cold Ohio winter months. Best of all, when someone says to you, “Where did you get that? I want one,” you can tell them it’s a one-of-a-kind find.

There’s no doubt that there’s an art to thrift shopping. There’s a sense of adventure walking into one of our thrift stores and not knowing what you’re going to go home with. Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio thrift stores aren’t just a place to save money, (although you’ll certainly do that), they hold a little sliver of history in each item.

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio strives to end the shocking numbers of homeless in our state through providing supportive services, that are funded with the help of your car donation.

Maybe you got a new car as an incredible holiday gift. Or maybe you’re just thinking “new year, new car”. Either way, your pre-loved automobile is going to need a new home. Why not consider a Columbus car donation? It’s the perfect way to serve your community and clear out some space in the garage all at once! Check out four reasons you should spring for a new ride and donate your car in Columbus.

Now is the time to make your New Year’s resolutions. Need some inspiration? Look no further. Set a goal to be more charitable this year, and start by making a Columbus car donation. Here’s why!

Today is the Winter Solstice, meaning the days get shorter and the nights get longer. In these icy temps, homeless veterans are suffering more than you can imagine. A Cleveland car donation goes a long way to help those in need. Here’s how!

It’s officially gifting season, and Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio has the gifting inspiration you need: donate your car in Columbus! Here are just a few reasons why your auto donation is the perfect gift for your community.

Part of the fun of thrifting is finding items you can transform. Best of all, so many items can be, ahem, polished up, with a couple coats of nail polish. If you're looking for new ways to put that epic nail polish collection to good use, then you're in luck. Check out five of the top items you can use nail polish on to make your thrift finds even more beautiful.

Capri, from Craftinista Girl, shares her tried and true thrifting tips that will help you save you time, money and find hidden gems within the thrift store aisles.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, which translates to: spending time with friends and family, enjoying a huge meal, and sitting around the TV watching all the parades and football your eyeballs can handle.

Holiday season is upon us, which means: holiday road trips! You may be trekking to visit family in some faraway places, and in some pretty iffy and unpredictable weather, too (this is Ohio, after all).

November 11 is a very important day in the United States; it’s a day to recognize and celebrate those who have served to protect our country. All veterans, old and young, whether they’ve served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, in Vietnam or in Afghanistan; deserve to be honored.

A Cleveland car donation to Volunteers of America could get you celeb status! Follow the lead of mega stars who have contributed to causes they hold dear.

So many could benefit from our help; a simple auto donation is an excellent way to support those in need on World Mental Health Day.​

The start of fall calls for consistent driving to and from work and school. And because winter is next, now is the time to get ahead on those safety inspections and updates.

Thrift stores in Columbus are full of so many things you can use to decorate with around the house. With a little upcycling you can give all your thrifted finds a new life. Learn how to transform everyday items into fall decorations that will wow all of the trick-or-treaters.

Today we remember. Show your respect for post 9/11 veterans by giving back in the form of an auto donation. They fought for us then, they fight for us now.

Finding that perfect piece might take a little time and effort. Here are some pro-tips to help you maximize and navigate your experience.

Back to school means new clothes, new supplies and... new car? Donate your car and ride back to school in style.

There are plenty of reasons to donate your car. Did you know there are just as many reasons to donate your boat besides boating season coming to a close.

Learn how to make the most of every shopping trip to your Ohio thrift store so you can score the best finds at the lowest prices.

You can always sell your car and get a new one, but donating it is much more rewarding. Here's why.

Here’s why you should find alternative transportation to the festivals this year and consider making an Ohio car donation for a party-worthy cause.

With this easy do-it-yourself tote, you can skip the plastic bags next time you check-out at your local thrift store. This simple bag takes just 30 minutes to make, cost less than $5 and only requires scissors and a T-shirt. Whoa, does it get any easier?

Maybe the bride and groom gave you a registry’s worth of ideas to go off of, and maybe they didn’t. Either way, we have the perfect wedding present in mind.

There’s no better birthday party on earth! But what do you get the guest of honor? We recommend the gift that keeps on giving.

As it turns out, there are several health benefits that result from charitable acts. Give back, and start feeling great, today!

Did you know June is National Camping Month? I love to go camping all across Ohio. There’s so many beautiful camp sites to choose from. Best of all, I’m able to find a lot of my camping supplies at Volunteers of America thrift stores.

Debbie is here to tell you how to save yourself the headache of a yard sale this summer by donating your old clothes and unwanted items to your local thrift store.

Just help him clean the garage already (and donate the car, while you’re at it).

Celebrating Flag Day should mean celebrating those who have fought to defend it. How can you contribute? Donating your car in Columbus helps veterans and their families in a number of ways.

Skip the cookout this year. Paying homage to our nation’s fallen soldiers is the best way to celebrate the holiday.

Volunteers of America thrift stores in Columbus, Ohio have what you need for the perfect spring picnic

There are plenty of reasons why you should think about donating your car, boat, RV or motorcycle to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio this summer. We put together a list of five, and saving money is one of them!

Your mother is the pinnacle of your world, so make Mom proud and spread the love. Give back to your community this Mother’s Day.

Being homeless doesn't get easier as the weather gets warmer. In fact, it gets harder. Donating your car to Volunteers of America gives us the chance to change that.

Instead of tossing items out, consider donating. It’s great for your peace of mind, and it helps the community.

Donating your car is easy, tax deductible, healthy, and costs you nothing.

National Medal of Honor Day is today. The Auto Auction of Columbus, Ohio is a major supporter of the programs that benefit veterans in need.

Help provide essential support to organizations who rely on community donations

Learn why Cleveland car donations are a perfect way to celebrate.

By donating your car, you offer kindness to one of the communities most in need, the homeless.

This Valentine's Day, give real love and make a difference in the life of a homeless person with the car donation fairy.

Learn below about some of the greatest challenges facing the homeless this winter and how your car donation can make a crucial difference.

Who would have thought donating your car had such positive impact on the homeless? Learn shocking facts about what it means to be homeless and how easy it is to help.

If you're ready to make room in your garage for a new car, consider donating your old one. You may receive more in tax deductions than if you sold it privately. Here are three reasons you should upgrade and donate in 2017.

Your days are numbered to add some deductions to your tax filing for 2016. Meet the deadline with ease with VOAGO by donating your car with a same-day, free tow. All you have to do is make the decision to give. We handle the rest.

We've put together a list of thrift gifts that they'll never suspect cost you so little.

We've put together a list of thrift gifts that they'll never suspect cost you so little.

Make giving back to your community a part of your family holiday traditions with Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio.

What exactly does "getting rid" and "tiding up" look like? Here's how to decide what to give and what to truly discard.

Before you probably had time to prepare for it, Thanksgiving fell upon us. While the whole country pauses for gratitude during this time of year, there are a few thankful hearts you may not have the opportunity to hear from.

Known for a long time as The Mistake on the Lake and the place quarterbacks go to get injured, Cleveland, Ohio has spent much of 2016 rewriting your opinion of her. Here are the six things all Ohioans are glad the CLE has been up to.

For the DIY champions out there, sometimes inspiration comes easiest after seeing what others have done. Simply seeing what’s possible can be enough to get your creative juices flowing and psych you up to take on a project that you’ll love for years to come. So if you’re ready to tackle a new project, check these projects out before you head out to one of our Columbus, Ohio thrift stores and be inspired and get working!

Today we honor America today by recognizing the men and women who serve to protect the freedoms we have today. This is a day where the nation stands collectively to say, “thank you for your service.” One practical way to show your support for our nation’s veterans this year is to donate your car, truck, van or automobile.

So you’re ready to head to a thrift shop in Columbus, Ohio and you’ve got some questions? Here’s real answers from the thrift community. Here are the best questions and most helpful answers from the thrift community of shoppers from across the whole country.

The percentage of families in homeless shelters has dropped 15% nationwide, but has risen 7% in Columbus. Many factors contribute to homelessness, including the cost of housing, insufficient pay wages, and a lack of resources within the community to sustain already full shelters. But there are other contributing factors to homelessness that you may not have considered. See how donating your vehicle can help the homeless in Columbus.

Every vehicle donated to Volunteers of America goes to the Columbus Auto Auction to be sold. After a vehicle is bought, the funds from that sale support the worthwhile programs that help homeless veterans and young offenders on their way to becoming productive members of society once again. The following vehicles will be found at the auction this Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 5640 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43228.

Thrift store shopping is often considered a modern-day treasure hunt. Every piece uncovered is a one of a kind find that you can take home for an affordable price. For the lucky patrons we’ll meet below, a trip to the thrift store turned into a major profit. See what they uncovered and why you should keep an eye out at your next trip to Volunteers of America.

Cleveland’s proud citizens are doing their part to put a hard strike through the cursed reputation it used to carry. How? Simple: car donations. Let’s take a look at how you can be a LeBron and do your part to bring honor back to Cleveland, Ohio simply by donating your car.

Volunteers of America has always been committed to a mission of encouragement and optimism in Toledo and all of Greater Ohio. Check out these stories of communities rallying around their citizens through car donations, and how you can join the movement.

One of the best tips for heading into a thrift shop is to keep an open mind and your eyes peeled for unique items because you never know what will turn up. The following 14 items were found at Volunteers of America thrift stores all over Ohio and we are so glad these shoppers documented their finds on Instagram for all of us to see. Check out the hilarious, bizarre and share-worthy items that these thrift shoppers found!

End of the summer auto auction! When you donate a vehicle to Volunteers of America, the car goes to the Columbus Auto Auction to be sold. When it sells, those funds go to support programs that help homeless veterans and young offenders on their way to becoming productive members of society once again. The following vehicles will be sold at the auction Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 5640 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43228.

So you want to get rid of your vehicle. And of course, you want to make a decision that is the best for your wallet. Let us walk you through the option to donate your car in Toledo, Ohio, and why it’s a smart financial decision—as well as a philanthropic one.

Thrift stores in Columbus neighborhoods can save the day—and your budget (while helping you maintain your style, too!). Outside of the excitement, moving into a dorm or apartment can be a hectic moment in time, not to mention an expensive one. For $100, you can purchase several items you need at your local thrift store; spending $100 at a department store would cover just a portion of your needs.

Your car donation contributes to programs in Cincinnati and other areas in Ohio that support people who need shelter and resources. When donating your car to the Volunteers of America, you help the homeless. That’s why we’d like to clear up any misconceptions you might have about homelessness—we want you to know your contribution supports a meaningful cause and people in need, in Cincinnati and beyond.

Who will help Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio get people to donate a car? The Car Donation Fairy. This summer, we started to think outside the box about how to increase awareness about our auto donation program and how to get people to remember Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio when the time is right to donate.

Confused about what do do with your old car? We think donating your car is the best option for your vehicle, not selling it. If you’re in this predicament, we’re hoping to make the process easier by providing a rundown of options for selling your car and then share with you why donating is actually your best option.

The following artists have all found inspiration in their local thrift shops. By adding their own unique touches to the art found in thrift stores, they transform mundane scenes into sensational landscapes that are as entertaining as they are inspiring.

Check out our infographic illustrating how the money from each donated car gets used to impact the lives of those in your community. See where the funds go after you donate your vehicle to Volunteers of America now!

We love thrift store bloggers and we love Ohio. Following their discoveries is almost as fun as thrifting itself. After rummaging through Ohio thrift stores, these bloggers describe their treasures and what they plan to do with them. Read on to see how these Ohio thrift bloggers do it!

Donate your car and upgrade your family vehicle to one of these new beauties. School is out and families are gearing up for summer vacation. Whether you’re packing up the car to head down to grandma’s house in Southern Ohio or preparing for a cross country trip to Wally World, you and your family need a trusty vehicle to get you there safely and affordably.

It’s demolition derby season in Ohio. This comprehensive list of 2018 derbies has all the details you need to catch the demolition derby games you crave. Summers are for county fairs, festivals and good ol’ fashioned fun. Plan your derby season now.

Those who have served in our armed forces often face undue economic hardship after they return. For example, one in five homeless people is a veteran. Support our efforts to help veterans through a Dayton car donation.

When Marie Kondo wrote “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” first released in 2014, few could have predicted what a phenomenon it would become. Get the basics of decluttering what doesn't spark joy for you.

Cincinnati is among the highest in the state for homeless veterans. It’s a shameful fact, but veterans are more likely than the average person to end up homeless on the streets of the country they served. But, believe it or not, you can help if you donate your car in Cincinnati.

Some mistakes early in life can make it more difficult to be successful as an adult. Our Cleveland car donation program supports the Face Forward 2 Program and aims to help young offenders on the road to steady employment.

If you’ve got an unused car out there, consider donating it to Volunteers of America. You not only get a huge jump on your spring cleaning and free up some needed storage space, your Cincinnati car donation helps your community.

As another tax season has passed, it’s a good time to start thinking about next year’s taxes. Whether you’re an early filer or the sort who is burning the midnight oil right up until the deadline, you can start planning now for ways to get the most out of your return next year. Your Columbus car donation doesn’t just fuel our programs to help change lives. It can make financial sense for you next tax season.

Your donated vehicles fund our programs via our auto auctions that take place every other Saturday in Columbus at 5640 W. Broad St. If you’ve ever wondered what sort of vehicles you can find at our auction, here are five examples from a recent auction.

In our own backyard, more than 47,500 children in Ohio experience homelessness. We have a long way to go in this state to end this problem. No child should ever live on the streets, and one effective way to help is by donating your car in Columbus to Volunteers of America.

If you have a car you don’t want or need any more, there are many different ways to get rid of it, but perhaps none will more directly help your community than donating it to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio. That’s because, to put it simply, your Dayton car donation funds many important programs at the Volunteers of America.

If you have an unused or unwanted car, your decision to donate your car to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio can go a long way to support our ex-offender rehabilitation programs. Even if your car doesn’t run any more, it can still help make Ohio a better place.

So you’ve decided you want to donate your car in Cincinnati. That’s great news. Your simple car donation can positively affect a lot of people in Cincinnati through the programs of Volunteers of America.

As winter loosens its grip on Cleveland and the weather gets warmer, it’s easy to forget about the pervasive problem of homelessness, but it’s a plight that requires year-round attention. Believe it or not, your Cleveland car donation can help fight the problem of homelessness in your community. (And it is very much a problem.)

It’s 2016, and you’ve made a big decision: You’re finally going to clean out your garage and make it a practice space for your new cover band! One quick and easy way to clean out your garage is to donate any underused, dust-gathering vehicles in it to charity. When it comes to selecting which charity to donate your car to, however, the options can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Homelessness can become a reality for anyone, but did you know, according to a 2012 study conducted by the Williams Institute, LGBT youth make up only 10 percent of the general population, while making up 40 percent of the homeless population.