What your Columbus car donation and International Children’s Book Day have in common
Your support can help the Youth Education Center
International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated annually on April 2 to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books, but not every child is granted the opportunity to own books they can cherish. Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio works to change that unacceptable truth with our Youth Education Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Serving our children
- Homeless children become sick at 2x the rate of other children. They suffer 2x as many ear infections, have 4x the rate of asthma, and have 5x more diarrhea and stomach problems.
- Homeless children go hungry 2x more often than non-homeless children.
- Homeless children are 2x more likely to repeat a grade compared to non-homeless children.
- 50% of school-age homeless children experience anxiety, depression, or withdrawal compared to 18% of non-homeless children.
But, all children deserve a home that creates in them a feeling of security. Education and books can make a large difference in our kids’ abilities to build foundations for successful futures.
Homeless and at-risk children require a safe place to learn and grow after school lets out each day and for the summer because we believe that for Ohio to thrive, we must invest in our children.
The Youth Education Center enriches the lives of homeless and at-risk children in Columbus, investing in their academic progress, social growth and development. Some of the life-changing services the Center provides are:
- Career exploration
- Homework help and tutoring
- Art education
- Programs that encourage children to explore their emotions and improve communication
- Computer skills
- Nutritious meals and education
It takes a lot of time, funds and expertise to empower tomorrow’s leaders. As we work to end homelessness for thousands of individuals and families, we need your help to put a smile on the face and a book in the hands of the children we serve.
Making a Columbus car donation means education
Participate in April 2’s International Children's Book Day (ICBD) in a new way. Donate your vehicle, from cars and motorcycles to tractors and ATVs, to Volunteers of America Greater Ohio.
We can arrange free same-day towing, and we’ll take your vehicle even if it’s not running. You might even end up getting more for your vehicle as a tax-deductible donation than you would selling it yourself.
If you have an unused car that’s just rusting away in your driveway, an old golf cart that’s cluttering up your garage, or any vehicle that you’re trying to get rid of online, donate it to Volunteers of America, so we can bring education to Columbus’ homeless children.