
Leesburg Elementary School Unveils Newly Renovated Resource Room: “The Nest”
In a significant development for the Leesburg community, Leesburg Elementary School has transformed what was once a cluttered and dim room filled with salvaged furniture into a vibrant and fully stocked resource room, aptly named “The Nest.” This newly renovated space is designed to provide essential support to some of the school’s most vulnerable families, encompassing food, clothing, toiletries, and school supplies—all at no cost.
The grand unveiling of The Nest took place on Wednesday, bringing together school officials, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate this noteworthy initiative. The renovation was made possible through the generosity of the Addition Financial Foundation as part of its “2025 Renovate to Educate” initiative, which aims to enhance educational environments across Central Florida.
Florence Katzenberger, the family school liaison responsible for managing The Nest, expressed her overwhelming gratitude during the event. “I used to say I’m not Walmart, but now I am,” she shared, reflecting on the transformation. Previously reliant on makeshift shelving and second-hand furniture, the space has now been upgraded to include new shelving, clothing racks, a changing room, organized bins, and even a bike rack, dramatically increasing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation, emphasized the broader impact of this transformation. “When we talk about student success, we understand it must go beyond the classroom,” she stated, highlighting the importance of addressing basic needs to facilitate academic focus. According to the latest district data, Leesburg Elementary serves a student population that is 100 percent low-income, with many families experiencing homelessness.
The Foundation has allocated more than ,000 towards furniture, décor, and supplies for The Nest. Significantly, all food and clothing items in the pantry were generously donated, allowing the funds to be fully invested in the infrastructure of the space. Over the course of eight days, more than 20 volunteers from Addition Financial, including branch managers and accountants, collaborated with interior design interns from Seminole State College to create an organized and welcoming environment.
As the doors opened to The Nest, Florence remarked, “This is unbelievable. It looks like a department store,” while expressing her pride in the now-dignified space that welcomes families seeking assistance. With areas specifically designated for school supplies, clothing, and toiletries—all organized by size and gender—The Nest aims to provide families with a supportive environment where they can feel seen and valued.
In a community where 100 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, initiatives like The Nest are vital in ensuring that families have access to necessary resources. The project not only aids the immediate needs of students but also positively impacts siblings and parents, thus enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
The Nest stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and support. As the transformation of this essential resource room shows, when local organizations band together, they can create spaces of comfort, dignity, and hope for families navigating challenging circumstances.