The Mansion is a well-heated but big and drafty building, and the blood of the elderly is thin. They are vulnerable both to the heat and the cold, and what they wear matters.

Over the last two years, I learned that the most sensitive times are mid-summer and mid-winter, but the minute the nights start to cool I get requests for flannel sheets, sweaters, sweatshirts, heavier socks.

The other day, when I went outside to check on Bert and Georgianna in their Secret Garden, I found them shivering in the night chill. So I had a new idea for this year, I called two of my favorite consignment stores and asked them to put aside their best sweaters, flannel shirts, down vests, heavier socks for men and women.

I asked the Mansion to announce a Fall Sweater Festival today, Tuesday in the Activity room just before I did my weekly story reading. Everybody who could walk came, and some who couldn’t walk also came — a big crowd.

I picked up three bags on Friday and two more today – $135 altogether.

I’m strict about thrift shop and consignment store and don’t buy personal or undergarments. I was delighted with the selections that were waiting for me: a dozen sweaters, some sweatshirts, six flannel shirts, some wool vests and pullovers, eight warm blouses, some designer labels, some clothes from Orvis and L.L. Bean.

All were in excellent shape, no holes or missing buttons, all clean and fresh. I’ve learned a lot working with thrift shops and consignment stores, the ones I use regularly know me and understand what I need.

People sometimes send me boxes of used clothes that are torn and dirty, obviously things they want to throw out. I don’t use them; I take them to the Lions Club clothes drop-off. I would never give a Mansion resident anything I wouldn’t wear.

There was an SRO crowd waiting for me; the Festival was a great success. I took out the clothes from the bags one by one and held them up. The residents raised their hands if they were interested, and I brought the clothes around to the ones who couldn’t see or stand up.

The sweaters were a huge hit; I had a range of colors and material and thickness. I found myself in discussions about what would go with that, and different color matches.

I don’t think I ever got so many fervent thanks and hugs.

The residents were very generous with one another; they deferred to the residents who wanted something, or who were in the most need.

If they got too many things, they offered them to others, if someone was disappointed at not getting something, they brought the item to them.

There was a lot of need in that room.

Many didn’t have a sweater, or flannel pajamas or shirts.  Some had only one blouse.

They clutched their clothes on their laps, some of the aides came in to help them judge sizes who also tipped me off to those in greatest need – they got first dibs.

Madeline, who is from New York, loved some of the designer sweaters I got for $4. Peggie begged for the X-Large red down vest from L.L. Bean.

Becky, who was once a dog breeder, got the blouses she needs. Georgina got a big sweater that fit beautifully (I’m getting her a flannel nightgown.)

They traded fashion tips and recalled old times when they got to dress up in better clothes. I felt like I was at an outlet clothing sale; they were excited and engaged.

It was fun; it was rewarding.  We put some sweaters aside for the residents who weren’t there or couldn’t come. And I love knowing that everyone in the Mansion who wants a sweater got one.

I have come to love my consignment store friends; they care about the Mansion residents and put their best stuff aside for me.

The “festival” was a good idea, a great way of drawing people and getting them excited. And (blush) everyone was complimenting me on my taste. It’s going to a regular event, seasonal and more.

Thank you, consignment, ladies. And thanks, Army Of Good.

When my reading was over, everyone had brown plastic bags to put their new clothes in, they had all been neatly folded.

I took a few orders from people with odd sizes or a particular need, and I’m thinking of some future “festivals” –  maybe one for scarves, one for shoes, one for hats. I’m thinking of scarves next.

They all asked for Fate, but I didn’t bring her, I just had too many things to carry. I need to get Tim some black socks, he’s been invited to a wedding. I never disappoint Time.

Thanks for your contributions to me (via Paypal, jon@bedlamfarm, or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.)

Once again you made possible something that is wonderful, keeping these people warm in winter. Thanks.

(In the first version of this post, I forgot to add how people can contribute to my clothing festival if they wish. You can contribute via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.)