VOLUNTEER this School Year –  START here

Fill out the registration form below:
Adult Volunteers: 18 and olderTeen Volunteers: 9th-12th grade
VOLUNTEER at the HILLIARD location (Tues/Thurs 6pm-8:30pm): Click here to complete your adult volunteer application (background check required for volunteers 18 and older). OR

VOLUNTEER at the DUBLIN location (Mon/Wed 6pm-8:30pm): Click here to complete your adult volunteer application (background check required for volunteers 18 and older).

  • If you are bringing your school-aged children with you to volunteer, you will receive a link to register them after you complete your volunteer form.
  • If you have a current background check you can upload your badge to your registration form.
  • If you need a background check, we will run it through our system. After completing your registration form, you will receive an email from Protect My Ministry to authorize the background check (you may need to check your spam folder).
  • Once you are approved to volunteer, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
VOLUNTEER at the HILLIARD location (Tues/Thurs 6pm-8:30pm): Click here to create your Teen Volunteer Profile. OR

VOLUNTEER at the DUBLIN location (Mon/Wed 6pm-8:30pm): Click here to create your Teen Volunteer Profile.

  1. Once your profile has been approved, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
  2. Read the Teen Volunteer program information and requirements sheet.

3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

September – April
Hilliard location: Tuesday and Thursday Nights 6-8:30pm

Dublin location: Monday and Wednesday Nights 6-8:30pm

*We have paid staff in each children’s room. As a volunteer, you assist them playing with the children.

  • Festa Friends Club (K-8th grade): Help serve the children dinner, play and engage with the children by participating in planned large muscle and fine motor activities, and help the children run their own restaurant. Time commitment is 6:00-8:30pm.
  • Festa Friends Club Club Homework room (K-8th grade): Assist with academic support, homework help and tutoring. Time commitment is 6:45-8:15pm.
  • Adult English Classes: Assist teachers with adults as they learn English.
  • Dinner Angels: Provide a dinner once or monthly for the children facing suburban poverty who attend our 3-Generation Family ESL Program. Time commitment is 5:40-7:30pm. Learn more and sign up HERE.
  • Donate Hospitality Snacks: We need snacks for our adult English students to help keep them energized and ready to learn. Drop off donations at UALC the Church at Mill Run, Sunday-Thursday between 9am and 5pm, or bring them with you to ESL. Suggested donations:
    • Cookies (homemade or store-bought)
    • Individually bagged snacks
    • Granola bars
  • Donate Items from our Wish List: Click HERE to see a list of items.
  • Hospitality Team: Help us create an environment where adult New Americans who attend our program can create community. 2-3 adult volunteers are needed from 6:00-7:30pm to set up and run “International Coffee time.” This would include set up and tear down, preparing hot and cold beverages, plating cookies and snacks, and conversing with adult students during their class break.

Adults, Teens and Families with school-age children are welcome!

Want to start a 3-Generation Family ESL program or add to your current program?
If you, your non-profit or church want to VISIT this program to learn more because you are interested in starting your own Family ESL program or adding children’s programming to your Adult ESL program, we want to help and we have a workshop especially for you!

Visit our training page for details.

Returning Volunteers: Returning volunteers must fill out a volunteer profile for the current program, but are NOT required to complete a background check if their current badge is less than 3 years old.

Questions? Contact us at 614-586-7939 or email HERE

* Background check required if 18 and over

Good Tidings Christmas Store

November – December

  • 2023 Good Tidings Christmas Store Dates: December 4-8, 2023
  • Donate new toys and gifts for families to purchase at a fraction of the price.
  • Volunteer as a personal shopper or greeter at our store.

Questions? Contact us HERE.

Summer Lunch Camp:

June – July

Donate Items from our Wish List: Click HERE to see a list of items.

Donate non-perishable meal kits. Click HERE for a list of items and instructions.

Adult Volunteer-Children’s programming:  Individuals 18 years or older can serve at a lunch site playing with children, having lunch with them, and participating in daily activities (Background check required).

Adult Volunteer-Adult ESL Classes: Individuals 18 years or older can assist teachers with adults as they learn English while their children attend camp (Background check required).

Teen Volunteer:  High School students looking for a meaningful summer experience and leadership training can sign up for our Teen Intern program by committing to 10 days of the summer.

Families:  Adults may bring their school aged (K-12) children to volunteer.  If you volunteer as a family, your children must remain with you at all times.  You will fill out a profile for you and your children.  Note: If you child is under 18 they do not need to request a background check.

Groups:  Would your organization like to volunteer as a group?  Groups of adults or youth plus chaperones may come together to have a fun day of team building and community service!  Please email us HERE or call our office at 614-586-7939 to sign up your group.

Special Guests: Do you have a hobby or talent that you would like to share with the children at Summer Lunch Camp? We would love to host you as a special guest! Call us at 614-586-7939 for more information, or email us HERE

*Returning Volunteers:  Please fill out a new volunteer profile for the current program, even if you filled out a profile for another program in the past. Returning volunteers are NOT required to complete a new background check if their current badge is up-to-date.

Questions? Contact us HERE

  • Office Support: Help us with administrative duties during regular business hours.
  • Translation/Interpreting Services: Spanish and Arabic.
  • Community Garden Assistant: Help plant, harvest, and deliver fresh produce to families facing poverty.
  • Donate Items from our Wish List: Click HERE to see a list of items.
  • Legal Clinic: Attorneys can volunteer through Legal Aid; volunteers are also needed to staff the legal clinic.
  • Job Jump-START: Human Resource professionals can meet one-on-one with individuals seeking assistance in searching and applying for jobs.

Get started volunteering today

Fill out our Year Round Volunteer Form

“I learned something new each day while volunteering for Festa, but the biggest lesson that kept transcending through the week is ‘in the simple’.  It is the simple things (trying something new, making a friend, being polite, being honest, etc.) that are important to our children and their future.  Maybe “in the simple” we will bring about peace in the home, in the neighborhood, imagine… in the world.”

“I particularly enjoy working with both our Hispanic and our Muslim adults and seeing how they interact and learn about each other’s cultures. The passion our ESL learners have for learning and improving their English and their appreciation for the opportunities afforded them in the United States is heartwarming. After a long day’s work, I am energized by their efforts when I come to our evening program.”

“I have learned that no matter what country a refugee is from, they have common denominators. I have seen people who speak different languages, and can’t understand each other, communicate and help each other. It’s beautiful. A Spanish woman trying to help an Arabic man learn English. If only the “world” had such compassion.”

“Through volunteering at Festa, I’ve learned that family isn’t blood, it’s who you love and who loves you back.”