When storms swept through parts of Columbus, they left fallen trees and damaged homes behind. For many families across the South Side and Old Town East, the cleanup ahead felt overwhelming.
That’s when Team Rubicon arrived.
Nearly 100 volunteers traveled from across the country to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and help homeowners begin to recover.
Then the City of Columbus reached out to Besa with a simple question: Can you help feed them?
The answer came from all over the community.
Restaurants donated meals. Ro’s Kitchen (Impact Community Action) opened its doors. Community members donated snacks and water, while volunteers prepared food, cleaned kitchens, delivered dinners, and made sure the people serving Columbus had what they needed to keep going.
When the meals arrived, the gratitude was immediate. These volunteers had traveled hundreds of miles to help people they had never met.
One Team Rubicon leader reflected on what she experienced here:
“It may not feel like it now, but you guys are strong.”
She’s right.
Strength looks like neighbors helping neighbors. Organizations stepping up together. A community caring not only for those affected by the storm, but also for the people who showed up to help.
Columbus, thank you for showing up. 💚
Response efforts made possible by:
Bath & Body Works
Cafe Overlook
Columbus City Council
Columbus Division of Fire
The Columbus Foundation
Ro’s Kitchen / Impact Community Action
Team Rubicon
The Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
Share:
About Besa
Besa is a Columbus-based nonprofit dedicated to powering a wave of civic engagement that lifts us all. We fulfill critical needs by connecting people to community service. Every day, we make giving back easy—and transformative.