The RISSE staff is working hard to create a school library. There is absolutely nothing in the room but a table and a few metal chairs and some shelves lined with books (they have lots of books). Thanks to your generosity, there are now two comfortable bean chairs were the students can come in and sit and read or do their homework, a place of privacy and thinking and learning in a chaotic environment amidst turbulent lives.

The chairs cost $42.77 and everyone one we send them means another place where a refugee or immigrant child can sit and think. The chairs draw children like magnets, they are soft and inviting and colorful. At some point, perhaps we can help the teachers to find  things to put on the walls, but there are other and more urgent needs.

I keep thinking of the chairs and the Sparkle paper towels. It is amazing how these chairs brighten and soften up a room. It is astonishing how many paper towels get used in a school with 200 kids.

A good number of teachers from around the country are sending gifts from the wish list, they know what classrooms need.

I can hardly think of a more satisfying thing that seeing the huge piles of boxes coming into RISSE, the staff is quite shocked. There are many good people in the world, and given the chance, they are eager to do good.

The teachers all say they wish to write and thank every person who sends a gift. I suspect this will soon be impossible, if it isn’t already. I told them I will make sure you all know how grateful everyone is there. Seeing those smiles lit up the sky for me

Thanks again. You can visit the RISSE Wish List here.

If you wish to support my work with the soccer team and the girl’s basketball beam and other projects for refugee children, you can send a contribution to me, Jon Katz, at Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]