The first wave of school supplies from the Army Of Good for Bishop Maginn High School – our School Supplies Campaign – arrived today, stunning the school staff. Principal Mike Tolan told me they had received more than 70 packages by noon.

The generosity and drive of this group astonishes people time and again, but I have seen what they can do, the Army Of Good is a powerful force, an energy field and inspiration.

Good and faith and grace are not out of fashion, it lives and thrives in good and patriotic hearts,  Principal Mike Tolan got a look at it close-up today. This is the most American thing I’ve ever done.

Last week, we posted a new Bishop Maginn Amazon Wish List that had more than 20 items on it from backpacks to September school supplies (half of the students there have no school supplies at all when they show up for school), laptops, microscopes, gift cards.

I told Mike it would probably take until September to get all of those supplies coming. I don’t think it will take that long/

As of this morning, the Wish List has two items, one seeking two Chrome Acer laptops – $200 apiece – and the other with 7 $25 Amazon Gift Cards. Mike and Sue and the staff will be opening boxes for a long while, more are on the way for tomorrow.

I’ve asked Mike for a count on laptops. We got all the microscopes and back packs that were needed. In September, I hope to get a better bead on how many of the refugee students need shoes – some still wear sandals in the winter.

We are also hoping for a donated keyboard, if not I might try to raise some money for one, once we get the computers all sorted out.

Mike Tolan is also setting up a tuition fund donation page (tax deductible) so we can support the refugee children eager to go to Bishop Maginn but with no funds available at home. These are very poor families.

I can’t thank you enough for your support, I’m heading to the Mansion right now, the new memory care unit opening next week is dedicating its activity room to the Army Of Good. You all won it,  every single one of you.

Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a more deserving group of people. Thank you. You can check out the Wish List and bookmark it here.

(Photo above by Sue Silverstein)