As nurses, teachers, assisted care and nursing home aides know, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to wear masks for up to eight hours a day.

Two weeks ago, we purchased enough masks for the teachers and any students with breathing problems (who otherwise would have had to learn virtually) tocome to school and last through the day.

I found these special inserts that protrude – regular masks go tightly over them. They don’t fog glasses, inhibit breathing, mess up lipstick, or get damp after hours of use.  And they are safe and tight.

We spent about $1,000 to get them to everyone at Bishop Maginn who teaches, or who has any kind of breathing issues. And $700 to get enough for all of the Mansion aides.

All of the students who need laptops or special masks now have them. Thanks to this anonymous student for modeling one for me.

Due to state health regulations, I don’t want to take any photos of the asthmatic students themselves. But they are grateful. The masks have also been a boon to the older teachers who strain to have a mask on for eight hours.

In addition, I sent 36 of these masks to the Mansion, the aides also report they are a tremendous success and are grateful for them.  Thanks so much for your support, I got a bunch of gift cards from Price Chopper and Wal-Mart today.

I am so proud that we have kept anyone at the Mansion or Bishop Maginn well fed and healthy during what is a nightmare for many. I hope to continue this program, it really makes a difference.

Please purchase gift cards in any amount from Wal-Mart or Price Chopper and I will get them moving as quickly as possible. The address to send them is Jon Katz 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

If you prefer, you can send me a donation and I’ll happily buy the cards. Jon Katz via Paypal, [email protected], or same address as above, or Jon Katz, P.O. Box, 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

They are going straight to Albany and Sue Silverstein, and then to some refugee families still struggling with food insecurity. I’m also helping three Mansion aides who are struggling with illness or food issues. These cards make a huge difference, I sent my stack out to Albany this morning. I’m bringing five or six to the Mansion this afternoon.

You can buy Wal-Mart cards here, and Price Chopper Gift Cards here. Or donate to the Refugee Mansion Fund anytime via Paypal, [email protected] or Jon Katz, Refugee Fund,  P.O.Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Thank you. I love working and thinking of all these good people breathing easily because of the Army Of Good. And having warm, fresh food in their stomachs as well.