Opportunities to Give
Back
Locally
Samaritans for Seniors – This organization’s vision is that “no senior goes without or
goes without Him “(Christ). They provide basic services to senior citizens such as
mowing, home repair, transportation and financial advice. If interested in volunteering or
donating, contact the founder, Jeff Robertson, at 419.688.1899.
Lexington Schools – Heartland Church is inside the Lexington School District and
administrators are always in need of individuals with a heart for children to help as aids
in classes, assisting children with homework and reading, and other activities. For more
information contact any elementary school principal.
Mansfield City Schools – Over 80% of students in the Mansfield School District are
living in homes at or below the poverty level. There are always needs to be met, and they
change from day to day. If interested in helping a student in need, contact Teresa Weaver
(Middle School Assistant Principal) at 419.525.6307 x2103.
Richland Pregnancy Services – Helping both women and men by providing information
about pregnancy options, as well as engaging through client advocates/peer counselors.
More information is available at Richland Pregnancy Services's website.
Lexington Senior Center – Lexington Senior Center will provide services, information
and the opportunities to help people enrich their lives and community through
recreational, social and wellness services. See their website for details.
Richland County Juvenile Court GAL/CASA Program – Volunteer opportunities for
individuals who will advocate for abused, neglected and dependent children once they are
involved in the court system. More information can be found at VolunteerMatch.com.
Domestic Violence Shelter – The Shelter’s mission is "To provide an alternative to living
in a violent situation and to offer education and resources necessary for intervention and
prevention of violence and to help victims make healthier choices for themselves and
their families." See their website for contact/application information.
Lexington Care Court - Located on Delaware street in Lexington, this organization is
always looking for those with a special heart for senior citizens to “adopt” residents by
providing companionship. Contact information can be found at Lexington Court Care
Center's website.
Toy Time – Locally, Toy Time receives donations of gently used and new toys, and
money to buy toys, which are then given to needy children. They need volunteers to
collect, clean and distribute toys. Call 419-522-8900 for more information and to
volunteer.
Harmony House - provides emergency housing, food and supportive services to
individuals and families who are homeless, while they work to reclaim maximum
independence. Their website contains more volunteer information.
Friendly House – Provides crime prevention, recreational, educational, health/fitness,
camping, and day care programs to our immediate neighborhood and our community as a
whole, at a cost everyone can afford. Details regarding volunteer opportunities can be
found on their website.
The Store - The New Store is a local not-for-profit organization that provides free
clothing to needy school children in grades K-8. Students are referred by their school
principal for an appointment to receive clothing. A caring volunteer who helps to select
outfits, undergarments and gym shoes assists each child. Check out their Facebook page
for more information.
MedCentral Health System, Mansfield – The largest medical provider between Cleveland
and Columbus, serving primarily Richland, Crawford, Ashland, Morrow, Huron and
Knox counties. Medcentral’s volunteer services page on their website lists the types of
positions available.
Salvation Army, Mansfield - The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an
evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its
ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Locally they
sponsor the Angel Trees, which enable volunteers to pick an “angel” (needy child),
purchase Christmas gifts, and return them to the tree for distribution. Trees are placed at
both Walmart (Ontario) and the Richland Mall. Their website contains more details.
Volunteers of America – Volunteers of America has dozens of programs focused on
Veterans Services, housing, and other community efforts. Check out their volunteer
section on their website to see how you can contribute.
Habitat for Humanity – a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the
conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable
place to live. They build for people in need regardless of race or religion. They welcome
volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
Global
Samaritan’s Purse - For over 40 years, Samaritan's Purse has done their utmost to follow
Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. They are an
effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food,
medicine, and other assistance in the name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns them a
hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Samaritan's
Purse website has details as to specific programs, such as Operation Christmas Child,
their annual shoebox program benefiting children in poverty-stricken areas.
World Vision – Offers programs helping children and families overcome poverty in
nearly 100 countries by providing food, clean water, education, & medicines. See their
website for details as to how you can donate.
Servants in Fellowship, Haiti – Missionaries run a health center, orphanage and the
Fellowship House, a housing facility for volunteers. This mission also runs a church,
partners with local schools, and equips the locals with the power and tools they need to
discover long-term solutions to the challenges they face daily. Visit
http://www.sifministries.org/ for more information.
Compassion International - Compassion's ministry is focused on the individual child and
his or her development. By working holistically with individual children to address their
spiritual, economic, social and physical needs, they present every child with an
opportunity to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. Details can be found on
their website.
Remember Nhu – The remember Nhu organization is Committed to meeting the physical,
educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of at-risk children before the nightmare of the
sex trade ever becomes reality. Details can be found on their website.
McDowell County, West Virginia – Their mission is to use public school teaching as a
creative access into a difficult region of West Virginia with the intent of ministering to
the practical needs of the community and sharing the love of Christ to students. Contact
Ken Kelly, the Project Manager, at 304.884.8179 or Ken.Kelley2@gmail.com if
interested in exploring ways you can help.
C&MA Missionaries – Today the C&MA’s global ministries encompass 13,609 churches
and church groups including more than 4 million people in 81 countries and territories.
Details can be found on the C&MA’s website .