Ellen got her comfort doll last Friday. She is with her baby almost all of the day now, she sleeps with her and walks with her. The baby has given Ellen a focus and task she was yearning for. Angel is something, to her someone, for her to love.

I saw the two of them sitting together in the Great Room of the Mansion today. Ellen has been offering to give the baby to everyone she sees at the Mansion to hold, and I see most of the residents seem reluctant.

I saw Ellen offer the baby to Alice to hold, and Alice said no, no thanks. Ellen was puzzled by this, I think a little hurt.  She can’t imagine everyone doesn’t feel the way she does about Angel.

Later, I saw Alice and I asked her why did chosen to hold Angel.

Alice looked at me and smiled, and said, “because if I did, I would cry.” The aides think Alice would benefit from having a comfort doll, I said I would order one.

I’ve already ordered one for Helen, it is on the way. They each cost between $120 and $150.

I see how important this is to the residents, especially the woman. One of the male residents asked me for a doll, but the aides were doubtful of his true motives, they advised against it.

With these two dolls, I think everyone in the Mansion who wants one or needs one or who the aides think should have one will have a comfort doll.

They really matter.

Here is an updated list of Mansion residents who wish to receive letters: It changes often, and many of the residents are not able to reply. Due to privacy laws, I am not permitted to answer any questions about their health or personal well-being.

The names are Winnie, Ellen, Matt, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Alice, Jean, Madeline, Joan, Allan, Bill, Blanche, Helen, Barbara, Alanna, Peggie, Dottie, Tim, Ben, Art, Jackie, Guerda, Brenda, Wayne, Ruth.

Thanks for writing them, your letters matter. Think holidays.

If you would like to support my Mansion resident support program, you can do so by sending a contribution to Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected] or by going to the “Support The Army Of Good” button at the bottom of this post.

Major credit cards are accepted there for one-time donations of any amount.

I have been contacted by a school teacher in Albany who has two students who are desperate to join a soccer league in the city – not one connected to Ali or RISSE, the refugee and immigrant support center – and they each need $300 to join their league. They asked if I could help them to meet the cost of these fees, their parents can’t help them.

As I learned last year, soccer is of great importance.

They are both willing to be photographed and meet with me in Albany, and I am considering whether this is something I can do and should do. Right now, I’m focusing my energy on getting gifted refugee children into excellent private schools on full scholarship.

I said I would meet with the two young men and talk with them. Their teacher says they are quite special and gifted and deserving. More later.