I think the little kid that lives inside of me gets especially excited when there is a call for help from a refugee or a Mansion resident. I always wanted to be a fireman when I was a kid, I used to hang out in front of a firehouse in Providence, R.I.

In a sense, that dream has come true. When somebody is in trouble, I reach out to the Army of Good, or if I have resources on hand, go charging out myself.

I have a trusted network now, online and off, of places to go at reasonable prices when I need something. When I get a call for help, I activate my network, call them, and pick up what is needed.

Several newly arrived Mansion residents are in need of a number of things, so I turn on the flashing lights in my head and head out in a hurry. The truth is, it feels like a real emergency to me when someone is hungry or has no clothes.

It is a privilege and great responsibility to respond to that.

I feel a surge, a sense of urgency. This morning I’m heading out to Thrift and Consignment stores to get some clean summer clothes, tops and bottoms.

Then to a convenience store to get some Ice Cream Sundae Kits for the Mansion. Then to the Post Office to mail some gift cards to Sue Silverstein for the refugee families.

Then to Jean’s Place to give the restaurant $260 to pay for their version of the Famous Bowl,  going to the Mansion tomorrow – mashed potatoes topped with corn and crispy chicken, cheese, and optional gravy.

I do think of the Army Of Good as First Responders For Good.

Plus fresh-baked pies for dessert. I love the idea of being a First Responder For Good. I can help people and bring up my childhood fantasies at the same time.

Okay, I sometimes dream about flashing red lights on my car, but that dream only occurs at night.

Thanks for your support: Via paypal, [email protected], or Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.