Opportunities for Kindness
Holiday Help
We are collecting gift cards to supplement the adopt a family program through Olentangy schools. Purchase a gift card and drop off at one of our locations or purchase one from our Amazon list. These cards will go directly to Olentangy families in need this holiday season. Thank you for helping us make the holidays a little brighter for Olentangy families!
National Sponsors
Ohio Sponsors
Recently Filled Needs
Gently Used or New Twin or Twin XL Mattress/Box Spring/Frame Needed for High Schooler
High school student in need of a new mattress, as his old one is worn with springs poking through and starting to give him back problems. The mattress and box spring are needed and the frame would be an added bonus. Willing to take gently used or new. This need would help this student to wake up refreshed and be more successful in school.
Family in immediate need of clothing for the winter
A family just moved to the Olentangy district and is in need of clothing for the winter. They do not currently have any items to keep them warm. They need coats, hats, gloves, layering items, underwear, socks, winter boots, etc. All items (other than underwear) can be gently used or new. We appreciate your kindness.
Mens:
Pants: 32x30 / Adult Medium
Shirts/Coat: Adult Medium
Shoes: 8.5
Women:
Shirts/Coat: Adult Large/ XL (16)
Pants: Adult Small/Medium / Youth 15/16
Shoes: 7
Dental work needed for an elementary student
We have an elementary student who requires much needed dental work. He has multiple dental health issues which cause him discomfort and pain and the family simply cannot afford the dental costs to provide him relief.
Dry Cleaning Gift Card
ROTC student in need of gift card to a dry cleaner (preferably Swan Cleaners) to assist with uniform cleaning.
Clinic in need of young boys Underwear and pants
An elementary clinic is in immediate need of size XS and Small boys underwear (new) and joggers/sweatpants (new or gently used). Thank you!
Weighted blanket
There is a first grade boy at Scioto Ridge Elementary who is in need of a weighted blanket for home. He struggles with sensory issues plus more. Night times are challenging and it could be a great help to his mom due to family financial hardships.
About Olentangy
Betsy Thorne - Area Director
Betsy has been an Olentangy resident for over 11 years. She was born and raised in Westerville then attended Ohio University where she met her wife, Nikki. Nikki and Betsy have 2 children in the Olentangy district. Both children are active in sports in the district, participating in soccer, football, basketball and gymnastics. Nikki works for a software company out of Phoenix as well as coaches soccer for Columbus United. Betsy worked at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants corporate office for several years before becoming a stay at home Mom when their first child was born, and now works part time for Stratosphere Consulting. Betsy has enjoyed giving back through volunteering in her children’s schools, working with pet rescues and helping with various fundraisers throughout Columbus. Betsy is so excited to promote kindness throughout the Olentangy district with neighborhood bridges.
Heather Gavlak - Area Director
My name is Heather Gavlak and I live in Delaware, OH with my husband, Bobby, and our 3 kids, Grace (8th), Mitch (4th) and Andy (1st) all in Olentangy Schools. I am an Enterprise Architecture Manager for PNC Bank by day and an advocate for Gift of Adoption and Neighborhood Bridges. I feel very strongly about ensuring that children have what they need to be successful and know that they are well loved. In my free time I love to read and watch every sport my children play - which is literally every sport imaginable. As a family, we have a passion for doughnuts and travel around the globe trying all the doughnut places we can find and posting photos of the adventure (@Doughnutters). Unsolicited recommendations for amazing doughnut places are strongly encouraged :)