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Opportunities for Kindness
Clothing Gift Card for HS Siblings
Sycamore Bridges is working with a community advocate to assist a mom of 3 with clothing for her HS students. Both children outgrew their current wardrobe, and finances are too tight to get them new clothing and shoes for the start of the year. We are collecting $400 for a Kohl's gift card so these high school students can pick out some back-to-school clothes and new gym shoes to get the year started on a positive note. If you would like to contribute to this request, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Kohl's". Alternatively, if you prefer to donate a physical gift card, reply to this post and you will receive an email with a list of drop off locations.
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Recently Filled Needs
August Rent
Sycamore Bridges is working with a community advocate to assist a single mom with her August rent. Mom's personal circumstances recently changed, and her single income no longer supports her current residence. She has already given her required 60 days notice to vacate, but is in need of assistance to avoid falling behind on rent and potentially facing eviction proceedings, which would preclude her from finding a future, more affordable apartment. We are hoping to cover half of her rent so she can remain in good standing. If you would like to contribute toward this $1225 request, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "August Rent". *Please note, we have $325 left to collect*
Operation Give Back Food Pantry Request
Sycamore Bridges is working with Operation Give Back to help stock the shelves with their most requested food items. After a recent visit to the OGB Food Pantry, we learned they are running critically low on many shelf staple products. OGB continues to serve families in record numbers, and keeping the shelves full remains their biggest challenge. We have created an AMAZON SHOPPING LIST as a convenient way to meet their needs. Just select "Sycamore Bridges" at shipping to have your purchases sent directly to us. We also invite you to shop on your own from the list of products below. (Any brands of product are welcome.) If shopping, please reply to this post for delivery and tax receipt instructions. Of course, if you prefer we do the shopping for you, monetary donations are also welcomed.
Aves Youth Football Registration for 13 Students
Sycamore Bridges is working in collaboration with the Sycamore Aves Youth Football program to register 13 students (ages KG-6th grade) for the upcoming fall season. Each student requesting assistance has provided proof of need (Medicaid or free/reduced lunch program). Our hope is to provide full funding for all 13 students, leaving no financial obligation on the part of the families. Each registration is being offered to us at the reduced rate of $180 (includes equipment), though donations at any amount are greatly appreciated so every student has an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities with their peers. If you would like to make a contribution of any amount, CLICK HERE and designate your gift to "Aves Football".
Hotel Bill + Grocery Gift Card
Sycamore Bridges is working with an elementary school principal to help a family who has fallen on hard times. They are currently residing in a local extended stay hotel and working hard to keep their heads above water. They are requesting four night's accommodations and a grocery gift card since they lost their SNAP benefits a few months ago. Because of their current situation, they should re-qualify for this food assistance again in August. We are collecting $400 to give them a little extra time to better their cash flow. **Please note: We only have $190 left to collect on this request.** If you would like to offer assistance, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Hotel + Food".
Kroger Gift Card Request
Sycamore Bridges is working with the social worker at UC Blue Ash to help a student who has fallen on hard times. A recently diagnosed illness has left the student with a mountain of medical bills and a significant reduction in classes as he recovered from several surgeries this past spring. He still faces everyday health battles, but appears to be working toward a better future. We have been asked to provide a Kroger gift card to help him get started on his new health journey. Thanks to a generous gift, this request was filled before being posted.
Weekend Accommodations
Sycamore Bridges is working with a community advocate to assist a family of 5 with a two night hotel stay. The family is residing in a local extended stay hotel, and is paid up through Saturday morning. They are in need of weekend accommodations to get them to pay day on Monday. We are requesting $206.95 to make sure they keep a roof over their heads. **Note: We only have $106.95 left to collect on this request.** If you would like to offer assistance, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Weekend Hotel".
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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.