Opportunities for Kindness
Past Due Duke Energy Bill
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a social worker to assist a family of 6 with an overdue Duke Energy bill. The family had been taking advantage of a manageable payment plan, however a sudden job loss caused them to miss a payment. This missed payment then forced them into a situation where the entire amount must be paid in full or their services will be shut off in early October. We are seeking $758 to keep their power on and allow the family to return to their manageable payment plan. If you would like to donate to this need, CLICK HERE and type "Duke Bill" in your note.
Tutoring Sessions for JH Student
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a school counselor to offset the cost of private tutoring for a junior high student. The student benefited greatly from one-on-one tutoring last school year, but circumstances prohibit the family from covering the full cost this year. The school has already arranged sessions with a reputable tutor for a discounted rate. We would like to help the student receive these services for the duration of the semester. If you would like to contribute to this need, reply to this post and a donation link will be emailed to you.
National Sponsors
Ohio Sponsors
Recently Filled Needs
Large Family Experiences Job Loss
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a district social worker to assist a family with four children. Dad recently lost his job and the family is struggling to make ends meet on Mom's income alone. Three of the children attend Sycamore Schools, and the oldest child lives at home while attending college. The social worker requested Kroger gift cards to help ease some of their financial burden until Dad finds work again. If you would like to offer a Kroger gift card or a financial donation that will be converted into a gift card, reply to this post and donation instructions will be emailed to you.
Help with Mortgage Payment
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a school administrator to assist a family of four with their October mortgage payment. Unexpected car repairs have left the family short on funds this month. Our assistance will allow them to get caught up on their bills and catch their breath. If you would like to contribute to this need, reply to this post and a donation link will be emailed to you.
Immigrant Family in Need of Temporary Assistance
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a school counselor to assist a family new to our district. Mom recently arrived in the United States with her young children while Dad is still in his home country awaiting Visa approval. Mom is gainfully employed but struggling on her single income to afford all of her bills, especially since she is starting from scratch. Sycamore Bridges would like to offset some of her monthly expenses until her husband arrives. We are requesting Kroger gift cards and/or financial donations that will be converted into Kroger gift cards to relieve some of her burden. If you would like to contribute to this need, reply to this post and donation instructions will be emailed to you.
Senior Portraits Class of 2023
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a school counselor to seek funding for a student who would like to have their senior portraits taken. Thanks to a generous local photographer who was willing to offer the session free of charge, this need has been filled!
Partial Rent Payment
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a school counselor to assist a single mom of one child with a partial rent payment this month. The family recently moved and some unexpected expenses associated with the move have left the family short on funds. We are collecting $275 to put mom back on track. If you would like to assist, reply to this post and donation instructions will be emailed fo you.
Seeking Working Refrigerator
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by a community advocate to assist a large family with finding a gently used refrigerator. The family does not have the resources to purchase a new one at this time; however, their current 27-year old fridge is on the fritz. If you have a working refrigerator you are willing to donate, we would be happy to pick it up at your convenience. Just let us know!
About Sycamore
Lori Drasnin, Area Director
Lori Drasnin is an active Sycamore parent and volunteer. She previously served as PTO President for Montgomery Elementary, as well as PTO Treasurer at Montgomery Elementary, E.H. Greene Intermediate, and Sycamore Junior High School. Over the past decade, Lori has chaired too many PTO events and fundraisers to count and brought innovation and updated programs to our local schools. Lori also organized a Bedtime Bundle collection from the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter from 2014-2017, and served on the board of Ohio Cleats for Kids (C4K) until taking this role.
Lori holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Michigan, as well as a law degree from Emory University. She practiced liability defense for six years at Dinsmore in Cincinnati, OH before "retiring" to stay home and raise her children. Lori is married to husband, Jeff, has two boys, Matthew and Ryan, and two puggles, Max & Erma.
Lori enjoys serving the greater Sycamore community and bridging kindness across the neighborhood.