The Bishop Maginn High School Refugee Chrismas Wish List sold out in hours, and a number of you have messaged me (there were no toys left for you to buy) to ask how you can help the refugee families.

You can help buy buying  Wal-Mart gift cards in any amount and sending them to me, Jon Katz, 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Gift cards can’t be sent to post office boxes, and the school may soon be closed due to the virus.

I’m probably going to clean out the Mansion/Refugee fund pretty much, as some Mansion aides are also experiencing food insecurity. (If you wish to help, you can also donate to that fund, Jon Katz Mansion/Refugee Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.)

We are worried about some of these families as the virus returns; some may get sick, some are losing their jobs again, some businesses where they work may be closed.

It’s going to be a hard time for them, especially regarding food and necessities.

This week, we sent $1,000 in Wal-Mart and Price Chopper gift cards to Bishop Maginn, and we posted a message on the school’s family page saying they are available.

They will help greatly with some Thanksgiving and regular meals, but there is already a great demand for the ones we sent and even a few requests from some social workers who need them for their own families.

The helpers need help, and politics seems to make it unlikely Congress will offer any help to anyone soon, if ever.

There is a possibility, as with all schools, that Bishop Maginn will be closed to in-school teaching at some point for the remainder of the year. I’d like to gather some more food gift cards, with respect and understanding for those who have contributed enough.

So I think the best, quickest, and easiest way to help for those seeking to do that is Gift Cards. Jon Katz, 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y. 12816. If you are uncomfortable buying online, you can send a donation to me and I’ll buy the cards: Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or at the above address.

I’m increasingly fond of Wal-Mart Gift Cards for these families. I think it’s best if they choose what it is they need. That’s the feedback I’m getting.

Wal-Mart cards are very easy to buy and offer a wide range of price options. At Wal-Mart stores, these families can also buy toiletries and some essential kitchen items, like toilet paper and deodorant.

Everyone has been generous beyond expectation, and I can’t thank you enough. If you can help, that would be great; if not, I completely understand.

We can only do what is feasible and sensible; don’t cause yourselves any harm.