I’ve been writing about the need for me to do some good rather than argue and lament the state of the country. I have a way that is simple, inexpensive, and powerful. A way to feel good about my country, not just angry or anxious.

It will send a message to refugee groups across the country. My region is one of a small number in the country that is bravely and compassionately expecting to welcome a large number of refugees from devastated and war-torn countries to New York State.

This is in the very best tradition of America – the reason I am  here and alive today – and I want to support it in any way that I can. We need a little over $900.

You can also help if you are so inclined, this project is very doable and immediate, the results visible. It will matter greatly to the embattled families heading our way. It is a gift bag for children.

Maria and I are moving forward with our plans to be connected with a refugee family that we can help and assist on their suddenly fraught journey to America, they are coming from countries our new government may ban or restrict. They are anxious and need help. Sadly, they fear persecution in the nation created to stop persecution. We can’t let that stand.

A number of refugees are coming to the are where I live, sponsored in part by the New York Capital Refugee Roundtable. This group of angels is seeking $1,040 dollars to create colorful welcome bags for refugee children, the bag will be filled with toys, games, socks, art supplies, stuffed animals, hats, and gloves.

Every penny will go to the creation of these colorful tote bags.

The refugee volunteers – that includes Maria and I now – have reached out to me, and to Maria, and our blogs.

They have already raised $550 within minutes of this post, but they need more and resources are badly stretched. The blog has a lot of punch and I think we can help them get this done quickly. I hope so. You can donate to a crowdsourcing site online in any amount you wish.

You also, if you prefer, can donate with a check made out to the Capital Region Refugee Roundtable, c/o of Anne O’Brien Carelli, 17 Reid Place, Delmar, N.Y., 12054.

I know that most of the people reading this do not live in this immediate area, but this issue is national in every sense of the word, and I hope to share the journey of these refugees with  you in words and photos to make the point that these are human beings just like us, desperately in need of our help and support.

What happens here can and will happen everywhere, by helping here you will be making a statement heard around the country. This issue will come to you. I ask myself what kind of citizen I wish to be, and this is the answer for me. This kind.

There is nothing more American than this, we are not a nation that slams the door shut in the faces of the weary and downtrodden and poor. These are not people coming to harm us, they are suffering families, mostly women and children,  coming to enter the American Dream and join us in the great democratic experiment that is our country.

They are seeking liberty and safety, the same thing all of us or our forbears came here to find.

They are not the other, they are us. I want to cry when I think of these children getting their welcome bags.

So I’m asking you all to consider contributing to this project, it is the perfect way to launch my own campaign to find an activity where I can do good and make my statement in that way.  I want to light a candle, not curse the darkness.

Perhaps this will inspire you as well. So many of you have helped in other good causes, I hope you will consider this one. You can contribute by writing to Anne O’Brien Carelli, 17 Reid Place, Delmar, N.Y.,1 12054 or through the groups new crowdsourcing page at www.fundabilities.com. And thanks.

I think we can send a powerful message to these children about the humanity and values of their new country. We can support the very idea of liberty. Maria and I are eager to meet them – they are coming soon –  to help them. We will share that experience with you in any way that we can, in words and pictures where possible.

Thanks again for considering this.