I dropped a dozen crochet kits off at the Mansion yesterday, just minutes before I learned the Mansion has gone into Quarantine. This means they cannot receive clothing or packages from the outside for the foreseeable future.

The residents have a very rough time; they are in isolation again.  This happens from time to time.

I’m holding off bringing the pants and shirts I got the other day.

But the residents are pleading for crochets kits, and these are safe enough to eat off of. They will help keep them engaged and pass the time—a long, long haul for them.

I miss my meditation classes and reading sessions.

I always take special steps when ordering things for the Mansion.

The crochet kits came from Amazon, they are all in their original and closed packaging, and out of what they call an “abundance of caution,” I leave them outside for 24 hours before bringing them to the Mansion.

The  CDC says Amazon packages are safe, but I know how hard the aides have helped keep the residents safe. I’m not doing anything that could jeopardize that.

I know many of the residents love to crochet, and I know the kits were a big hit. I’m ordering some more. I want to check and make sure it’s safe to order another $250 lunch for Jean’s Place residents.

They look forward to those meals.

I’m trying to find safe and sanitized, approved arts and crafts works and coloring books. Each has to be approved by health authorities. I want to keep some more crochet kits as well.

Due to the quarantine, the aides will be working longer hours than ever and harder than ever. The residents are struggling; the staff is exhausted.

Some of you have things you might like to send to the Mansion, but this is a time to wait, and thanks. If you wish to help, there are several ways.

One is to purchase a Wal-Mart gift card for distribution to Mansion aides who are food insecure or needy and to members of the Bishop Maginn High School Community who are also struggling to buy healthy food for their families.

You can purchase the gift cards here in any amount. Please send them to me Jon Katz, 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. We can really use them. If you prefer, you can donate to me via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo [email protected]. Venmo works with mobile phones only and charges no fees.

You can support the blog and the residents and refugees by making one-time voluntary payments here, including Venmo Paypal and major credit cards. The blog and the server are well protected by two different security firms.

Jules sent me a message online thanking me for the kits. I need to get some more. The aides tell me they are a huge hit.