My hats to off to the real First Responders in America these past few weeks, many have given their lives to help others survive the Pandemic.

I wrote yesterday that I feel like a First Responder at times, especially when someone at the Mansion has no clothes, and the students and refugee families from Bishop Maginn High School are hungry.

I love this work and am grateful for every minute of it. Thank you.

I first went to see Bev and Kyla at Carroll’s Trading Post, a consignment store that is my first stop when a Mansion resident arrives with no clothes, which has already happened several times this week.

I call Bev, tell her what I need and she walks through the shop with me picking out the right clothes. Their clothes are almost new, have been cleaned and disinfected.

We inspect each piece of clothing – X large tops, large bottoms and shorts – bag them and I take them over to the Mansion and leave them by the front door.

This first load costs $55. The clothes were fresh, clean and of high quality.  I’ll need more.

I called and let the Mansion know I was there outside – I’m still not allowed to go inside or get close.

I brought some paper flower arrangements for the residents who were sitting out on the porch and Bonnie came out and handed them out.

We wave and blow kisses to each other.

I miss these people, there are strong connections between us. At least I can wave to them from the driveway.

Then I sent to Stewart’s Convenience store to buy an Ice Cream Sundae Kit, vanilla, and strawberry.

It cost $90 and is enough for the residents and the aides. In this very hot weather, it is appreciated. Tomorrow, I’ll look for a stuffed animal for Ellen, she always asks for one. I stopped at the Post Office and bought stamps for Sylvie.

An aide said the residents need combs and brushes and anti-bacterial soap. I can get these at  Walgreen’s and perhaps the Dollar Store.

I checked on the Pen Pal list to make sure I had the right one. Letters and photos and cards and can be sent to these Mansion residents at 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y, 1816.

Edith, Dale, Gary, Ellen, Matt, Gerry, Sylvie, Joanne, Madeline, Brother Peter, Helen, Georgianna, Georgiann, Barbara, Alanna, Linda, Nancy, Annette, Peggie, Becky, Jean, Roberta, Ben, John, Jim, Claudia, Ruth.

You can also e-mail messages to [email protected]. The Pen Pal program is a hit, thank you so much.

After these messages, I drove to Hoosick Falls to give Kelsie at Jean’s Place $260 for tomorrow’s special meal – mashed potatoes topped with corn, crispy chicken, and cheese, with a gravy option.

Also five pies of different flavors. Yesterday I bought dinner for the night and overnight aides – subs, sandwiches, chicken tenders, garlic totters, and salads. It cost $94,

I want to keep the Mansion Fund flush throughout these weeks and months when the residents are in lockdown and can’t have visitors, even their families.

With the Disinfectant Fogger we bought, we are helping keep the residents safe. Not a single one has contacted the coronavirus. I am especially proud of that – the Mansion aides worked day and night to protect the residents – and thank you.

I want to keep this support going. Five of six new residents have arrived at the Mansion, I’ve not met them yet. Some of them need some help.

If you can and wish, you can support this work at a critical time via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion/Refugee Fund, P.O.  Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Thank you so much. Friday, the Bishop Maginn High School Senior Class graduates at the Albany Cathedral. I’ll be there. Thank you all for supporting the graduation as well.

We had a meaningful Pandemic and I gather it’s not going to be over for a long time.