Get Involved
Your Time Is
Someone's First Chapter.
Every volunteer role at J Merrill Foundation touches literacy in some form. Read aloud. Serve a meal. Mentor a young author. Show up.
Volunteer Opportunities
Story Hour Reader
Record yourself reading a children's book. We add it to our digital library where children access it free anytime. No professional experience needed — just a love of reading.
Community Table
Help us serve Thanksgiving meals to Columbus families. Our 2026 goal is 150 families. We need help with food prep, distribution, and logistics.
Reading Station Steward
Adopt the Parsons Avenue Reading Station. Restock books monthly, report condition, and serve as the community steward for Charter #154418.
Classroom Author Mentor
Work with student writers in school partnership programs. Share your experience as a writer, editor, or storyteller to guide students through the publishing process.
ESL Instructor
Teach English as a Second Language virtually. We are relaunching Literacy Bridge in 2026 and need a certified or experienced ESL instructor.
Board Member
Join the Foundation's board of directors. We have open seats across multiple disciplines. See the Board page for specific seat descriptions.
Ready to Get Started?
Start with the Foundation interest form. It helps us route volunteer interest, board interest, school partnership inquiries, Story Hour reader interest, Reading Station requests, youth author or classroom author inquiries, ESL support interest, donor questions, and general Foundation inquiries to the right next step.