Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to provide upfront financial support to Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation's Adopt-a-Center Program. Adopt-a-Center is an annual community initiative led by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation that brings holiday joy and essential resources to families across Columbus. Through partnerships with local businesses, civic groups, and individual donors, the program “adopts” more than 30 Columbus Recreation and Parks community centers and programs each year to provide warm meals, winter clothing, hygiene items, toys, and household essentials to residents in need. In 2024, Adopt-a-Center served over 8,000 Columbus residents by distributing more than 6,500 meals and thousands of gifts to youth, families, and seniors. In 2025, the program distributed over 6,500 meals at 24 community centers and at CRPD programs including Center Without Walls, ReRoute, VOICE and Therapeutic Recreation. The other intended outcome is to provide toys, warm winter clothing, and hygiene items to residents at the community centers. These are typically provided in tandem with the December holiday meals and holiday parties. Last year, the Foundation supported over 7,300 Columbus residents at the holiday December parties. The program helps ensure that every family, regardless of income, can celebrate the holiday season. By engaging volunteers and donors citywide, Adopt-a-Center fosters a stronger, more compassionate community while supporting the mission of connecting people through nature, wellness, and creativity.
This legislation is similar to Ordinance 2884-2025, which provided support for Adopt-a-Center last year in the same amount.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, subfund 100018.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation to provide upfront financial support for the Adopt-a-Center Program and to authorize an appropriation and expenditure from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the mission of Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation is to connect the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness, and creativity; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation serves to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's philanthropic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, each year, the Recreation and Parks Department provides meals, hygiene items, winter coats, and clothing for families, as well as holiday toys for kids through the Adopt-a-Center program; and
WHEREAS, according to the recreation and Parks Department's official website, 26 of the Department's 28 community centers around the City are located in impoverished neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City council is pleased to support Columbus residents and families in need; AND NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized to enter a grant agreement with Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation to provide upfront financial support for the Adopt-a-Center Program.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $15,000.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, to the City Clerk per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $15,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance, is hereby authorized in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and that the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance will take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.