I passed out two sacks of blouses today, two lap blankets made by Kayla Carroll of Caroll’s Trading Point, and two more by Patricia Benward. The lap blankets are especially effective at the Mansion, the residents often get chilly in the cold weather, Annette used her right away.

(And thanks to the wonderful human from California who bought me a $50 gift certificate at Caroll’s, I was delighted to get it today, it bought some lap robes and classy blouses. I also got $80 for cigarettes for Georgianna and the gang.)

The residents are finicky about asking for things. Mostly, these are hard-working women who took care of themselves and others all of their lives, and either can’t ask for help or just don’t know how.

As I distribute the blankets, blouses, and robes, everyone is at first shy or indifferent, then excited to say yes and grateful.

It’s just a process I’ve learned to deal with I asked one resident today if she wanted a blouse, and she said no, she had several, and almost off-handedly she said she did need a sweater and was saving up for one.

Carol and Ellen each loved the fuzzy bathrobes I gave them today.

I never use the word charity, it shuts conversation right down.

“I can get you a sweater,” I offered, and she looked at me, and then nodded shyly and said softly, “I would love a sweater.” This was the fourth or fifth time I asked her and I don’t know why she waited until today to tell me that she needed a sweater.
But it doesn’t matter, really, I’ll get her one in a few days, if not sooner.

I am really uplifted by this winter clothing festival. I didn’t realize how great the need is at first, or how grateful the residents are for this help. I am so appreciative of Kayla and Bev Caroll, the mother and daughter dynamo who run Carroll’s Trading Goods. They have great clothes are always helpful and supportive of this work.

Thanks for your support of the Mansion/Refugee work, if you wish to contribute, you can do so via Paypal, [email protected] or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

I’m also saving up for some clothes for the students at Bishop Maginn, especially those who show up in January wearing fli-flops and worn polo shirts.