I have some wonderful news about the children from RISSE, the refugee and Immigrant center in Albany, N.Y.

A few minutes ago, I purchased (thanks to a generous donor) the $522 outdoor trash can off of the RISSE Amazon Wish List. It’s not a romantic item, but it is desperately needed for the RISSE playground.

Secondly, I have fully funded the weekend retreat for the members of the RISSE soccer team at the Powell House Youth and Meeting Center in Chatham, N.Y. in May. Thanks so much, this will be a life-changer, I believe.

Then, a spanking new Amazon RISSE Wist List is up, I am especially drawn to a beautiful alphabet learning rug to help these kids learn English and the alphabet. It costs $137 and is quite striking looking. I can just imagine kids playing in the rug and learning at the right time. I am impressed by these learning toys, the teachers know what to ask for.

Depending on how the budget holds up today, I might go for that one.

There are a lot of smaller, inexpensive items up on the list now, including a lace crafts kit for $7.95. Lots of good and inexpensive stuff. Check it out here.

I have ordered three beginner, highly-reviewed digital cameras, one for each of the three RISSE classes. The teachers can give them out and the kids can take and post their own photos.  And one more for an eight-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, who lost his father there, and is on fire to become a photographer.

I predict this new list won’t last long either, too much good stuff for a small amount of money. Commit your great acts of kindness here, if you choose. And thank you so much. We are making an enormous difference.

And thanks for all of your support. We are answering the call. Every time. The new list is here.