Three years ago, I was visiting the Mansion in the summer, and I noticed some of the residents were sweltering in their rooms. The Mansion is an exceptionally loving place, but it is a Medicaid facility, and there is little money left over for special projects.

I began an Army of Good project to give air conditioners to everyone in the Mansion who needed one. Some of the residents on the lower floors didn’t want one, and some of the rooms windows didn’t meet the state requirements for window appliances.

Two weeks ago, as the temperatures headed for 100 several days in a row, I learned there were two residents upstairs who had no air conditioning and two downstairs whose rooms baked in the afternoon sun.

To comply with state regulations, we bought two window units and two portable floor units. With this $1,000 expenditure, every resident of the Mansion who requested an air conditioner got one and has one that works.

This afternoon, I got a letter from Georgiann thanking me for hers. The two most satisfying acts of kindness in recent memory are these air conditioning units and the gift cards we provided for the refugees when the coronavirus hit.

I’m raising money for the Mansion work now to build up my Mansion fund. Over the last two days, I got $600 in donations, and I thank you. I’m still working to build the fund back up after the coronavirus expenditures,  the fund is up to $2,885, thanks.

I’m looking to get it somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000, so I can resume dinners for the overnight shift and lunches for the residents from Jean’s Place.

I appreciate the contributions very much. So does Georgiann, who loves being cool and comfortable in this intense heat.

If you wish, you can donate via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y. 12816.

I want to say I’m proud of the focus I’m providing for the tasks we undertake, for their cost, and for the need to keep money in the fund because things come up all of the time.

I’ve learned so much about managing money doing this work, and those lessons have also helped me to manage my own life. Suddenly, I’m a bargain hunter and shrewd shopper.

This work has changed my life and none of it would have been possible without you.

When I look back on all the work we’ve provided for the Mansion, I want to kiss every one of you, men included. I couldn’t even list all of the comforts we’ve brought these beautiful but poor people, who, in many ways, the world has left behind.

We are also continuing our gift card food program for the refugees and the families of the Mansion aides. We’re helping two refugee families with food now – both families got the virus and are struggling to get back on their feet.

I’m helping three Mansion aides (single mothers with kids, one with a very sick husband) with Price Chopper Gift Cards; they are especially grateful. I bring them a gift card or two every other week. I’m down to five cards.

You can purchase the gift cards in any amount; please send them to me Jon Katz, 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. If you’d prefer, you can send a contribution to Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y. 12816.

I’ll be happy to buy them for you. Thanks so much.

In the Fall, I’ve been invited to teach a class at Bishop Maginn High School, if it’s deemed safe for me. The Mansion has applied to the state for permission to begin admitting family members and some volunteers – appointment only – it will be good to see the residents again.

There are five or six new people I haven’t met. And lots of new students at Bishop Maginn High School.

I’m very proud of the help we have offered over the last few months to the Mansion and  Bishop Maginn. I get choked up when I think about it.