Together we kindle hope — Join our 2026 Winter Warmth Drive in Zanesville, OH. Get involved

Est. 2021 · Zanesville, Ohio

Gathering hearts.
Fueling hope.

The Firepit Charity Club is a community of neighbors choosing kindness over comfort. We turn small sparks of generosity into lasting warmth for families, children, and seniors across our community.

Make a Donation Our Story
IRS Recognized
EIN 35-2568246
100% Volunteer
Powered by Neighbors
Serving Since
2021
0

Families Supported

0

Meals Provided

0

Community Gatherings

0

Active Volunteers

Volunteers serving meals to neighbors Hands joined together in unity
5 Years of community service
Who We Are

A nonprofit built around a simple idea: no one warms a community alone.

Founded in 2021 in Zanesville, Ohio, The Firepit Charity Club began as a handful of neighbors meeting around an actual backyard firepit — sharing stories, sharing meals, and asking how we could lift up the people right next to us.

Today we are a registered 501(c) public charity (EIN 35-2568246) led by Principal Officer Stuart Johnson and powered by hundreds of volunteers. Every program we run is rooted in two values printed on our seal: Community Support & Unity.

  • Dignity first — every neighbor is treated as family, never as a case number.
  • Local impact — 100% of donations stay in service of Muskingum County families.
  • Radical transparency — published annual report, public 990-N filings.
Read Our Story Meet the Team
What We Do

Programs that keep the fire burning

From hot meals to scholarships, every initiative we run is designed by neighbors, for neighbors — with a focus on practical, lasting impact.

Firepit Kitchen

Weekly community meals served free of charge at our Licking Lane location, plus monthly food-box deliveries to home-bound seniors across Zanesville.

Every Saturday · Year-round

Warm Home Fund

Emergency assistance for utilities, heat, and essential home repairs so no family in our community ever has to choose between warmth and groceries.

Rolling applications

Spark Scholars

Annual scholarships and mentorship for graduating Muskingum County students pursuing trades, college, or community service careers.

Awarded each May

Gathering Nights

Free monthly community gatherings — live music, hot cocoa, kids' activities — around the firepit. Because connection is just as nourishing as a meal.

First Friday of every month

Coat & Care Drive

Seasonal collection & distribution of winter coats, blankets, hygiene kits, and school supplies for neighbors of all ages.

October – February

Neighbor-to-Neighbor

One-time micro-grants up to $500 nominated by community members for families facing unexpected crisis — medical, transportation, or housing emergencies.

Reviewed weekly
A Story from the Fire

“We came for a hot meal. We left with a whole family.”

When the Reyes family lost their home heater two winters ago, they walked into a Firepit Saturday dinner unsure if they belonged. By the end of the night, three volunteer neighbors had pledged to help fix the furnace, a Spark Scholar had tutored their daughter through finals, and a stranger became a godmother.

— Maria R., Zanesville

Read More Stories
Mother and daughter smiling together at a community event
$240K+ distributed to families since 2021
Get Involved

Add your spark to the fire

There are many ways to keep our community warm. Choose what fits your life today — every act of generosity matters.

Donate

Fund hot meals, utility assistance, and scholarships. Tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Give Today

Volunteer

Cook, deliver, mentor, or set up chairs around the firepit. We have a role for every schedule.

Join the Crew

Partner

Businesses, churches, and civic groups sponsor programs, host drives, or match employee giving.

Partner With Us

Spread the Word

Share our mission with neighbors and on social. A warm community grows by introduction.

Stay Connected
Calendar

Upcoming gatherings

Dec 14
Annual Event

Winter Warmth Drive Kickoff

3400 Licking Lane, Zanesville, OH

5:00 PM — 8:30 PM

RSVP
Jan 10
Monthly

First Friday Gathering Night

The Firepit Yard

6:30 PM — 9:00 PM

Details
Feb 22
Fundraiser

Hearts & Embers Benefit Dinner

Zanesville Community Hall

6:00 PM — 10:00 PM

Buy Tickets
Voices from the Community

Stories that keep us going

The Firepit didn't just fix our heater — they reminded us we weren't alone. My kids ask about “the firepit people” every Saturday now.

James & Tonya P. Family supported through Warm Home Fund

I started volunteering after my husband passed. The folks at the firepit gave me purpose, friendship, and the chance to be useful. It saved my life.

Patricia M. Volunteer, Class of 2022

As a small business owner I've sponsored a dozen programs — none have matched the Firepit's transparency or how directly the dollars hit the ground.