I’m seeking some funds for the refugee account to get these remarkable but very poor refugee students some things: books, clothes, personal art supplies, personal items that are urgently needed. If you wish to support that work, you can send your contributions to me the same way as for computers or microscopes, via Paypal, [email protected] or to me, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Some of these kids need very personal things – a second shirt or pair of pants, soap, deodorant. Small donors: I don’t need a lot of money for this work, small donations really matter here.

Thanks for buying out the new Mansion Amazon Wish List, the residents are loving the games and puzzles we are sending them.

I also want to thank people for their steady support of the Bishop Maginn Amazon Wish List. The microscopes on the list have all been purchased, new microscopes will be added in coming days. We’re doing it a few at a time, this is a slow but steady summer campaign.

I’m so excited about this chapter in our years long search for good.

We’ve bought the necessary books for the summer reading program. The choir is taking shape for the Fall, Sue Silverstein has enough art supplies to last awhile

I am determined to get computer technology and science technology into the school. When we started this campaign a wee or two ago, there were no laptops in the school and no working microscopes. There are now six microscopes and about 10 laptops, almost half of what the school so  urgently needs. That’s great for little more than a week.

I thank you for that, and I wanted to let you all know that the price of the laptops has dropped again, it’s down to $199 for each Acer Chrome laptop, especially designed for schools and very highly rated.

That is a remarkable price and a great opportunity for Bishop Maginn, in need of just about everything as they transition from an endangered urban Catholic High School to a vibrant and resurgent institution focusing on poor residents and new refugee students to America.

This path is working for Bishop Maginn and I am deeply moved by the work they are doing with few if any resources. I’ve seen these computers sold for $275 – 300 in other places, if anybody has any cash to spare, this is a good time. And the computers are tax-deductible, as are all gifts to Bishop Maginn.

There are three left on this Wish List. The school is also  putting up a $10 and $25 Amazon Gift Card contribution so small donors – and everybody else – can contribute frequently and easily if they wish. Ten $25  gift cards buys a computer, so does eight $25 gift cards. The idea of the Army Of Good is for lots of people contributing small amounts of money. I thank Sharon for this suggestion.

The computers can be purchased on the Bishop Maginn Amazon Wish List or by direct donations to the school: Mike Tolan, Principal, Bishop Maginn High School, 75 Park Street, Albany, N.Y., 12202. Both ways are tax-deductible.

Some people have messaged me that they sometimes prefer to send the money to me, that is okay as well. Via Paypal, I’m [email protected], or by check , Jon Katz, Refugee Work, P.O.Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

We can’t meet all of their needs, and we aren’t trying to do that.  We practice small acts of great kindness, not miracles.

I’d love to fill some of the small holes in their lives, things that make a big difference. Thanks for all of your help. This is a magical thing to see, a small miracle. Sue says a lot of these kids are smiling more now, that is bringing light into the world.