Local Spotlight: Charity Newsies

Charity comes in all shapes and sizes. In Central Ohio, it comes in the form of a specialty newspaper sold by Charity Newsies, an organization dedicated to clothing children in need. See how they’re making a difference in Central Ohio one paper at a time.

More than 100 Years of Service

In 1907, three businessmen walked into a restaurant with an appetite and walked out with a mission after observing a poorly clothed paperboy standing on the corner out front. They helped the boy sell the rest of his papers, sending him home with plenty of cash for warm clothes.

Their excitement from the experience quickly dissipated when they realized how widespread the problem was. From that day forward, they vowed to combat childhood poverty through fundraising and clothing children in need.

Over the years, Charity Newsies has helped more than 500,000 children in Central Ohio through their various fundraising and charitable efforts. Since its inception, the mission of Charity Newsies has expanded to benefit children who were affected by tragedies like household fires.

How They’re Making a Difference

Just like their founders did on their establishing day, Charity Newsies sets out on the second Saturday of every December, special edition newspapers in hand. Newspapers are sold for however much patrons want to donate to the cause and 100% of those funds go toward new clothes for Ohio children in need.

Every $150 they fundraise provides a complete outfit for a child, made up of brand-new outerwear, shirts, pants, and more. These clothing items are either purchased using donated funds or procured through clothing donation drives like their annual Clothe-A-Child Gala & Auction.

Their efforts benefit children in many different ways, starting with keeping them warm. Did you know that a lack of proper clothing is one of the top reasons children miss school? Proper clothes set kids up for success with higher self-esteem and a higher likelihood of attending school.