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Opportunities for Kindness
Car Repair for Single Mom
Sycamore Bridges is working with a Sycamore elementary school principal to assist a single mom who is in need of a significant car repair. Mom is working hard to make ends meet, but fixing a broken alternator and oil leak are not in her budget. Without a functioning car, she is unable to get to work to keep her head above water. A local Blue Ash mechanic is able to make the necessary repairs for $836.92. Our goal is to offset her expense as much as possible. If you would like to contribute to this request, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Car Repair."
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Recently Filled Needs
Weekly Food Bags - Chef Boyardee Chicken & Rice
Sycamore Bridges received a generous community grant to help fund weekly food bags distributed to students at Symmes Elementary. Currently, Sycamore Presbyterian Church has been offering this gift to 82 of our students every week. We are thrilled to offset some of their expenses, thereby allowing them to expand their offerings. Sycamore Presbyterian will continue to handle the assembly and distribution of food bags each week, but we will collect items to help fill the bags as needed. For the month of February, we are requesting Chef Boyardee Chicken and Rice bowls. Our goal is to collect 164+ cups by the end of the month. These can be purchased at your local grocery store, or you are welcome to use our Amazon list and PURCHASE HERE to have your items shipped to us. If you would like to shop on your own, reply to this post and delivery instructions will be emailed to you.
Medical Bill Assistance
Sycamore Bridges is working with a community advocate to assist a hard-working family with an unexpected medical bill. The family possesses health insurance; however, an unplanned ambulance ride was not covered under their plan. As a result, they owe $1562.53. The family is simply unable to afford this steep bill. We have committed to assisting with $562.53 to relieve some of this financial burden. Any overage in our collection will further pay down their debt. If you would like to offer assistance, CLICK HERE and designate your contribution to "Medical Bill".
Junior High Bridges Backroom Restock
Sycamore Bridges has been asked to restock a few items in the Junior High Bridges Backroom, our personal care pantry that stocks hygiene items and school supplies. They are currently in need of earbuds and water bottles. Thanks to a previous donation, we are able to fill this request without collecting additional funds. We are grateful to continue offering these much needed items free to our students.
Guided Group Therapy for At-Risk HS Students
Sycamore Bridges is working with Sycamore Community Schools to fund a special weekly program for at-risk HS students to help them learn valuable techniques to overcome obstacles and enhance their educational experience. The program is run by the The Cincinnati for H.O.P.E. Coalition and designed specifically for our identified students. Through a community grant and a matching donor, we are able to fully fund this program through the end of the school year. No additional donations are requested at this time. We are hopeful this unique opportunity will enable all of our students to reach their full potential in exciting new ways.
Grab and Go Breakfast/Lunch Items for UC Blue Ash Students
Through a corporate grant designed to serve students at UC Blue Ash, Sycamore Bridges is creating a grab-and-go food closet for students facing financial hardship. The closet will contain breakfast and lunch times, such as oatmeal cups, protein bars, microwavable soups, pastas, and ramen, granola bars, and other ready-to-eat snack items. Our first delivery contains $750 worth of non-perishable food. Students will be invited by the UC Blue Ash social worker to utilize the closet as needed. We are so grateful to our corporate partners for this designated gift that allows us to lift a burden for students in our community so they can reach their full potential. No additional donations are needed at this time.
Food Insecurity for Small Family
Sycamore Bridges was contacted by the Sycamore Community Schools social worker to assist a small family with an emergency food request. Due to a personal hardship, the family of four will be out of work for the next five months. Fortunately, they have saved enough money to cover basic living expenses (rent, utility bills, etc...). We have been asked to provide $300 in Kroger gift cards to help alleviate some of their out of pocket expenses to get them through this difficult time. *PLEASE NOTE* We only have $150 left to collect on this request. If you would like to contribute to this request, CLICK HERE and designate your donation to "Kroger Gift Cards".
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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.