There is a woman at the Mansion, she is sweet and loving. An aide there told me that she did not have many warm clothes to wear in the winter. I brought her two articles of clothing, I don’t want to mention them here. She was grateful. I know she would love a sweater for the winter, I know she won’t ask for it..

Browsing the aisles at Good Will today in Bennington, I realized I am becoming something of a shrewd shopper, checking prices, looking for bargains, gauging sizes. Shopping for others is different than shopping for myself.

I will call this woman Carol (not her real name) and I think I am debating whether to slip this sweater into her room when she isn’t there, or ask her if she would like to have a sweater. My inclination always is to be direct and open. I also usually consult the staff, who know what everybody needs or could use.

The Good Will visit opened up a whole new range of possibilities for me working with the Mansion residents. I know I have to be observant and not just make assumptions about things. I like the idea of small acts of great kindness. I loved passing out the wool hats for winter, time for some heavier stuff.

I should point out that most of the Mansion residents have the clothes they need, and many do not go outside in the winter, the Mansion has plenty of heat. There is no necessity for people to buy clothes. A few do need them, and I have the funds to help them, especially now that I am tapped into places like Good Will.

We can always use help in supporting the Mansion residents and refugees, if you wish to donate to this work, you can send a check to me at Post Office Box 2915, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or via Paypal, [email protected]. All donations are kept in a separate account and used for no other purpose. If you do donate, please mark the payments either for “The Mansion” or “The Refugees? or  both. Thanks much.