Getting youth involved in giving back to their community at an early age helps to instill a sense of empathy, responsibility, and community awareness. When children and young adults actively participate in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, donating, or helping others, they learn the value of contributing to the well-being of those around them.
That’s where VOA Buddies (K – 8th Grade) and Next Gen (9th Grade – College) come into play! Children of (just about) all ages can join the movement to create a healthier community for all with unique fundraisers, signature programs, volunteer activities, and donation drives. VOA Buddies and Next Gen are designed to foster a lifelong commitment to giving back , shaping future generations of compassionate people. By introducing children to the importance of generosity, we not only enrich their lives but also create a ripple effect that encourages a culture of care and mutual support in our communities.
How to Get Involved
- Determine age group: VOA Buddies or Next Gen.
- Consider involvement: fundraising, hosting a donation drive, or volunteering.
- Let our team know you’re starting a group by contacting us at volunteer@voaohin.org and we’ll help you get started!
Ways to Get Involved
In-Kind Drives
- Collection drives for wish lists
- Holiday, back to school, and other seasonal campaigns
- Donate previously loved items to VOA Thrift | Find Out More
Fundraisers
- Set a goal and ask family and friends to donate, whether it’s an online campaign for donations instead of gifts for a birthday, lemonade stand, bake sale, etc.
- School events like “Wacky hair day” or “Pajama day”
- Dine in & donate night at a local restaurant
Get Creative
- Write motivational messages to people in our program.
- Pack hygiene kits and other resources for people in our programs
- Social Media Campaign (high school + college)
Determine Your Age Group
Our VOA Buddies program is designed for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. This is an opportunity for adults in their lives to share what it means to care for your community. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, troop leader, or after-school program coordinator, VOA Buddies can add value to any group, activity, or curriculum.
VOA Buddies gives young people a meaningful way to put their empathy, compassion, and sense of purpose into action. They’ll learn the building blocks to organize fundraisers, host donation drives, and volunteer their time.
Be part of the change you want to see in the world! Our Next Gen program is designed for 9th grade – college students who want to take a hands-on approach to helping their community. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk as you share empathy and compassion with neighbors in need. Build valuable life-skills in leadership, communication, project and time management, teamwork, and more.
You can organize fundraisers, host donation drives, volunteer your time, or use your creativity to come up with a concept of your own. Next Gen offers skill-building opportunities as you work toward creating a healthier community for all. Plus, it’s a great way to secure required volunteer hours or add experience to your resume or college application.
Meeting Needs, Changing Futures
VOA Ohio & Indiana offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of our communities. Grounded in our mission to offer hope, restore dignity, and transform lives, we work to support individuals and families as they move toward stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency. From helping women and families recover from substance use disorder, to supporting individuals reentering the community after involvement in the criminal justice system, we provide critical resources and guidance that foster healing and growth. We stand alongside veterans facing challenges such as homelessness or addiction, helping them find housing, employment, and long-term support. And each year, through Operation Backpack, we equip children in need with new school supplies, setting them up for success and reinforcing their potential.
Through VOA Buddies and Next Gen, children and young adults can support these community services and become a positive force for change. Together, we’ll work toward our vision of a world where everyone can live with safety, well-being, justice, and hope.
How to Get Started
Determine Age Group
Pick your age group for VOA Buddies or Next Gen.
Get Involved
Fundraise, host a donation drive, or volunteer.
Reach Out
Let our team know you’re starting a group and we’ll help you get started!
Questions?
Our team is happy to help. Contact us at volunteer@voaohin.org
Thrift Donation Drives
You can donate previously loved items to VOA Thrift!
When you donate to one of our non-profit thrift stores in Columbus or Cleveland, Ohio, you are helping veterans, individuals and families rebuild their lives. VOA Thrift relies on donations of previously loved items like clothing, household items, and furniture to keep our stores stocked and support our programs. That’s where you come in! We offer a variety of ways to partner with us.
Donation drives of previously loved items are a great way for kids to secure volunteer hours or fundraise for their group!
Donation Drive
Host a donation drive to collect previously loved goods. We’ll come to you to pick up donations. Track the time spent and we’ll sign off on those hours.
Donation Fundraiser
Collect previously loved items. VOA Thrift will weigh the items and make a donation per pound to your organization. The more you donate, the bigger the donation!