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Opportunities for Kindness
Mental Health Therapy for At-Risk High School Student
Sycamore Bridges is working with the Sycamore Schools social worker to assist an at-risk high school student with recommended weekly therapy. The student exhibits disorderly behavior that is causing interruptions to their learning. In an effort to keep the child in the classroom setting, the student was referred to counseling. The student's health insurance does not cover these sessions, so we have been asked to fund six weeks of therapy to offset the family's out of pocket expense. Our social worker has negotiated a reduced rate for our payments, and thanks to the generosity of Kindness Council member MENTAL MATTERS MISSION, this request was filled before being posted. Mental Matters Mission is dedicated to ensuring that mental and behavioral health services are accessible to all youth ages 0-25 regardless of financial ability. They fulfill their mission by funding the mental health care of young people who are uninsured or underinsured throughout the city of Cincinnati and beyond. We are so grateful for this partnership the allows our students to receive the help they need without financial burden. No additional donations are needed at this time.
Winter Coat Collection for Operation Give Back
On the Wish ListWith the first taste of cooler temps, we have been asked to help Operation Give Back collect winter coats, hats and gloves for their annual giveaway taking place at the end of October. OGB is expecting record numbers this year, so we created many ways for you to offer assistance. Our collection will run from now until October 20. How can you help?
1. We are collecting very gently used winter coats in all sizes (infant, toddler, youth and adult). Gently used items should be free of rips, tears, holes, and stains, and they must have working zippers, snaps, and buttons. We are also accepting gently used hats, gloves, and mittens. If you would like to donate any of these items, reply to this post and we will email you a list of drop off locations.
2. We curated an extensive AMAZON REGISTRY of winter coats for your shopping convenience. All items are under $40. Just select "Sycamore Bridges" at shipping to have your coats sent directly to us. (Reply to this post if you would like a tax receipt for your Amazon purchases.)
3. If you prefer to shop at a local retailer for new coats, hats, and/or gloves, let us know and we will send you a list of drop-off locations. All items must be received by October 20. Tax receipts are available upon request.
4. If you would like Sycamore Bridges to shop on your behalf, you can make a financial contribution. Any and all amounts are greatly appreciated. Extra funds give us the flexibility to fill in sizes and styles as we near the giveaway event. To make a donation, CLICK HEREand designate your gift to “Winter Coats”.
1. We are collecting very gently used winter coats in all sizes (infant, toddler, youth and adult). Gently used items should be free of rips, tears, holes, and stains, and they must have working zippers, snaps, and buttons. We are also accepting gently used hats, gloves, and mittens. If you would like to donate any of these items, reply to this post and we will email you a list of drop off locations.
2. We curated an extensive AMAZON REGISTRY of winter coats for your shopping convenience. All items are under $40. Just select "Sycamore Bridges" at shipping to have your coats sent directly to us. (Reply to this post if you would like a tax receipt for your Amazon purchases.)
3. If you prefer to shop at a local retailer for new coats, hats, and/or gloves, let us know and we will send you a list of drop-off locations. All items must be received by October 20. Tax receipts are available upon request.
4. If you would like Sycamore Bridges to shop on your behalf, you can make a financial contribution. Any and all amounts are greatly appreciated. Extra funds give us the flexibility to fill in sizes and styles as we near the giveaway event. To make a donation, CLICK HEREand designate your gift to “Winter Coats”.
On behalf of Operation Give Back and Sycamore Bridges, we appreciate your help in making sure our neighbors are ready for the colder months.
National Sponsors
Ohio Sponsors
Kindness Council Members
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Recently Filled Needs
Baby Clothing - FILLED
Sycamore Bridges received a beautiful donation of gently used newborn clothing to pass along to a new mom in our community. Thanks to our amazing advocates, we found a grateful family who could use the help as they navigate parenthood on one income. No additional donations are needed at this time.
Sycamore HS Bridges Backroom Restock
Sycamore Bridges is refilling our Sycamore HS Bridges Backroom! This personal hygiene pantry is housed in the counseling department at Sycamore High School, and available to any student who may not otherwise have access to basic necessities. This month's restock includes body wash, feminine hygiene products, and of course, deodorant. We want to make sure all students' needs are being met, especially while at school. This project is generously funded by our monthly donors; however, the pantries' usages at Sycamore High School, Sycamore Junior High, and Greene School are starting to exceed our monthly collection. We are always accepting full-sized hygiene products. Just reply to this post for drop off locations. If you prefer to make a donation to support the purchase of products for the Bridges Backrooms CLICK HERE and designate your gift to "Bridges Backrooms".
Lyft Gfit Card for Live Oaks Student
Sycamore Bridges is working with an administrator to assist a high school student with one-way transportation to a Live Oaks program three days a week for just a couple weeks until the student's permanent ride is available. The student was just admitted to the program and is looking forward to beginning their studies toward a career. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the student is unable to secure transportation for a few more weeks. We have been asked to provide a $200 Lyft gift card to cover the cost of transportation during this temporary time to ensure the student does not fall behind. If you would like to offer assistance, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Lyft Gift Card".
Kroger Gift Card for TIP Student
Sycamore Bridges is working with a Sycamore Schools teacher to assist a student participating in the Transition Internship Program (TIP). This unique program provides real-life opportunities for adult students with disabilities to develop independent living, community involvement, and employment skills. Students are invited to go grocery shopping each week to learn valuable life skills in planning, budgeting, interacting with the public, prepping meals, and kitchen safety. Families are expected to pay for these grocery trips in order to take full advantage of the program. We have been asked to provide a Kroger gift card to a student who is facing financial hardship due to a family member's medical needs. The teacher will manage the gift card and only use it on weeks when the student is unable to bring their own funds. If you would like offer assistance, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "TIP Student".
Target Gift Card for HS Student - FILLED
Sycamore Bridges is working with a Sycamore High School counselor to assist a student in obtaining a few new items as the school year begins. Mom and student recently moved into their own space and finances are extremely tight at the moment. The student is in need of some basic clothing and personal care items. We have been asked to provide a $100 gift card to Target so the student can select the things they need. Thanks to a designated gift, this request was filled before being posted. No additional donations are needed at this time.
Walmart Gift Card for Large Sycamore Family - FILLED
Sycamore Bridges is working with a Sycamore Schools counselor to assist a local family who is going through a rough patch. Through a trusting interaction with our advocate, a student shared their family's personal struggles and their inability to obtain clothing for the student and their siblings. In an effort to give these students confidence to be successful in school, we have been asked to purchase a Walmart gift card so the family can go shopping and pick out items that make them feel comfortable. Thanks to a generous gift, this request was filled before being posted! No additional donations are needed at this time.
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About Sycamore
Lori Drasnin, Area Director
Lori Drasnin is an active volunteer and proud parent of two Sycamore alumni (Matthew, ‘24 and Ryan, ‘26). 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. Lori has chaired too many PTO events and fundraisers to count, and brought innovation and updated programming to our local schools. Lori transitioned to her volunteer director role with neighborhood bridges Sycamore when it launched in May 2019, and has since overseen more than $1M in giving to the Sycamore community.
Lori holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and 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, and enjoys empty-nesting with her rescue pup, Penny.