I am very concerned and deeply disturbed by a situation involving a family living right here in the Yeshiva area.

Their daughter was out of school this entire past year. After a long and painful struggle, finally, the school that the parents are comfortable sending her to, and that they feel is appropriate for their daughter, has agreed to accept her.

That should have been the end of an incredibly difficult chapter for this family.

But now there is another problem.

In order for the child to be accepted, the family is being asked to come up with a very large additional sum of over $30,000, on top of regular tuition.

Now, if this were a family with significant means, I could at least understand the thinking. If a school feels that it is going out of its way, making room where there really was no room, and doing a major favor for a family, I can understand why they might ask for a substantial contribution as a show of appreciation.

But what happens when the family has absolutely nothing?

This family is literally behind on rent and basic bills. As recently as two weeks ago, I am told they had less than $20 in their bank account. They have an old car that is constantly needing repairs, and right now they are struggling just to figure out how to get the car out of the mechanic.

So how exactly are they supposed to produce over $30,000?

This is not a family deciding whether to dip into savings. There are no savings. This is not a family deciding whether to postpone a vacation or make a smaller simcha. They are trying to pay rent, fix their car, and cover basic necessities.

And in the middle of all of this is a child who already lost an entire year of school.

Finally there is a school that the parents are willing to send her to, and finally there is an opportunity for her to get back into a classroom, have teachers, friends, structure, and stability.

But how is this child supposed to actually get there if her parents do not have a penny to their name?

I am not writing this to attack or criticize the school. I understand that from the school’s perspective, they may feel they are doing a tremendous favor by taking this child when they really did not have room.

My concern is simply this, what is this family supposed to do now?

Does anyone know of an organization, askan, tzedakah fund, donor, or individual who helps in situations like this? Is there someone who could help raise the amount, connect the family with donors, or assist in putting together the funds necessary to finally get this child back into school?

This family lives right amongst us in the Yeshiva area. This is one of our own families, and there is a child waiting to go back to school.

If anyone knows of someone who can help, please reach out.