I called Beverly Caroll at Carroll’s Trading Post, my favorite consignment store when it comes to supplying the Mansion residents in winter. It’s tough because I can’t get into the Mansion now and see the residents I’m shopping for.

The aides are a great help.

I called ahead to get some specifics and told Bev I had $100 to spend on warm clothes for the residents as winter approaches and the thermometer plunges. Bev put aside some beautiful sweaters, and I saw a big box of beautiful stuffed animals. I bought those two.

I drove them right over to the Mansion and handed them off to Tania, one of the aides who is helping me. Georgianna was eager to model the new things – a beautiful long sweater, red mittens and a monkey doll. She was thrilled.

It’s difficult to overstate how much these stuffed animals mean to the Mansion residents, especially since their lockdown, which began in March. The Mansion aides have been nothing short of heroic – not a single resident has gotten the virus. Ruth loved hers – and her sweater and hat – so much I will go over to Bev’s today and buy some more. They really lift up the spirits.

Tania, thanks for the two photos of Ruth and Georgianna, and thanks for helping me and distributing them so quickly. It’s difficult to be at a distance, but thanks to you and the other aides, I feel like I’m right there.

And thanks to the Army Of Good for your support. You can contribute to my Mansion Fund – small acts of great kindness – via Paypal, [email protected], or by sending a check to Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y, 12816.

Every winter, I make sure everyone at the Mansion has the hats, socks, blankets, warm pajamas, and sweaters that they need. And oh yes, stuffed animals galore to cuddle up with at night. Thank you all. We care about people.