Office of Student Life

BLF in the Community

Each semester, Buckeye Leadership Fellows partners with up to two non-profit organizations supporting causes our Fellows care about. We are always looking to build new relationships with local non-profits. If your organization would like to work with us, let's start the conversation! Please reach out to us at osublf@osu.edu

Wyatt's White Christmas

Our Fellows continue giving back and volunteering their time in their community, most recently at Wyatt’s White Christmas, a Columbus-based nonprofit run by the family of our Assistant Director, Mike Jones. Wyatt’s White Christmas was founded to help families facing an Atypical HUS diagnosis, an ultra-rare blood disease impacting just 2 in 1 million people in the United States. Their team is driven by a mission to improve the lives of those affected by this disease, advancing medical knowledge through cutting-edge research and patient-centered initiatives, all in Wyatt’s name. This year, they partnered with the University of Iowa to support research and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to support patient care.

Amidst the end of finals week, the start of winter break, and even graduation weekend for a few, Fellows from both cohorts volunteered to help bring the Fourth Annual Wyatt’s White Christmas fundraiser to life. They volunteered at event setup, helping to transform the space, and event night, helping to create an amazing guest experience. Thank you to Addy Prasanna, Aneetej Arora, Carissa Garcia, James Carpenter,  Jeremiah Ratcliff, Quinn Costanzo, Quinn Moore, Pranav Ingale, and Vibha Ramachandar for all your help! 

IMPACT Community Action 

Fellows from both cohorts spent the semester supporting a variety of initiatives through IMPACT Community Action in Columbus. IMPACT works to provide resources to families that need it and foster community across Columbus. Our Fellows volunteered at their Ripple of Hope Event, Trunk or Treat, and an after-school mentorship program throughout the semester. Each program was an opportunity for our Fellows to create impact and build meaningful relationships in their community.

Central Community House

A group of our Fellows volunteered with Central Community House at their Village Makers Festival, an event that brings community members together to celebrate the organization's efforts to serve as a safe haven that provides folks with access to immediate help and support services. The mission of Central Community House is to empower people to reach their full potential, be self-supporting, and live cooperatively with all others by building community that meets the needs and nourishes the creative aspirations of one another.

Greater Columbus Sports Commission 

Fellows from our '25 and '26 cohorts spent a Friday with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission volunteering at the Community Cup, a one-day athletic competition open to companies of all sizes across Columbus. Our Fellows facilitated a hockey shot competition and had the opportunity to interact with various companies and leaders along the way. And of course, they brought all the energy and had some fun with it as well! 

St. Vincent Family Services

We are fortunate to partner with the amazing team at St. Vincent Family Services, a residential and daytime mental and behavioral health treatment center that serves youth in the foster system. We were able to work with them for a second year to host a Trunk or Treat event, providing an opportunity for their kids to experience a true Trick-or-Treat. Thanks to our amazing friends of BLF, we were able to fill their parking lot with cars handing out candy, creating a truly memorable experience for their kids. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative!