I had this idea that it would be good for the RISSE soccer kids to get a week in the country this summer, I contacted two or three non-profit summer camps. The cheapest estimate I got for 10 kids and two adults for one week was $4,000, one was $5,000.

And those were actually quite reasonable for food and board and counselors. In the other world, parents happily pay these fees, but the RISSE parents have no extra money to spend, if they go places, it is because the Army Of Good sends money, and I make the arrangements.

I thought long and hard about this project and decided to cancel it.  I need to stay small and focused.

The beauty of this work at the Mansion and RISSE is that we are thinking small and staying small. We commit small acts of great kindness, we will the holes in people’s lives. Many people contribute a lot, but the idea is for large numbers of people to send small amounts of money.

People have repeatedly urged me to get bigger, expand the program, sign up for 501 tax certification. I don’t wish to do any of those things. I love the freedom to make these small choices – groceries here, uniforms there, and of course the already wildly successful RISSE Amazon Wish List, small things every day and you know just where the money goes.

My job is to be focused and transparent, the photos help you to see everything you are paying for. The RISSE Wish List helps  you to figure out just what they need and choose your gifts, which go directly to them.

The summer camp seemed too big for right now. I’m pushing fo one or two our visits just outside of Albany at a special place I know. The scale might be just right for us.

I think the secret is to not get bigger or too ambitious, to stay small, we’re not looking for miracles. I do like to make good small choices – short outings to the country, a movie now and then, a trip to the Chinese buffet, soccer tournament fees, shoes or clothes, a youth retreat tailored to them.

If you can help me support these very worthy young children, please send your contribution to Jon Katz,  P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y.,12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]. Please mark your donations “refugees.”

We are doing good by staying small.