Above, one of the beautiful things to see today is the refugee students at Bishop Maginn High School rushing to help load cars up with the donated goods so urgently needed by the newly arrived Afghan refugees.

They very much remember their first days in America.

Some of the Bishop Maginn families are getting help as well; many are still struggling with poverty, food insecurity, and the disruptions of the pandemic.

I’m eager to get to the school tomorrow to see their “free store” of food and other needs and the packages from you as they arrive. The free store has emptied out two or three times but was refilled by today’s delivery.

I suspect many more packages are on the way.

Now that we’ve found a place where we can help, we want to help. That is what America is about for me, no matter how anyone else feels about it. I am glad I’m not alone in that.

Last week, we asked for bathroom rugs, towels, sheets, blankets, comforters, and quilts.  The response has been stunning; the donations go flying out as soon as they arrive.

The first wave of 500 Afghan refugees has arrived in Albany. Scores will be warm tonight because of our big hearts. At this rate, they’ll all be warm in a day or so.

There are lots of children, lots of students.

Some of the children will be attending Bishop Maginn in January.

(Maria made four quilts from unused new quilt tops and new batting; we’re bringing them tomorrow. She’s going to show Sue Silverstein’s class how to finish them.)

Refugee coordinators also come by to fill up their cards with needed household items – especially blankets, towels, and comforters. Many of these children will be sleeping on the floor or sofas for a while.

Many refugee children sleep on the floor in a living room to save on heating bills and because there is little space.

They are moving into small apartments in and around Albany that social workers have found.

Good people heard the call and are responding. The need is still great. You’ve done plenty; any help is appreciated and very badly needed.

Packages of goods, blankets, bedding, and towels have been pouring into Bishop Maginn all day, as well as items for a Thanksgiving Basket. Sue Silverstein just sent me a photograph of today’s delivery from UPS; they’re still waiting for FedEx and USPS. Below, this morning’s delivery.

Some families come by in person if they have transportation and pick out things from the “free store” that BMHS has set up in the school.  I don’t wish to photograph them; it’s too soon.

Social workers come by in SUVs and vans and are delighted to leave with urgently need clothes and bedding to deliver to the new families. What a beautiful thing to see; I’m so eager to get there tomorrow. The refugee social workers are ecstatic about what they see coming into the school.

I got a present also for Sue Silverstein. I can’t reveal what it is because she reads the blog, and it’s a surprise. She is an angel working herself to the bone to help her students, her future students, and the new refugee families.

Thanks to the good photos taken by LaReina with her Iphone 12. Sue Silverstein took the lousy ones with her Iphone 8, which needs replacing. Yes, I am a snob. Above, a social worker’s car.

I’m going to meet some Afghan refugees shortly; they are willing to meet me and talk with me. I’ve decided not to quote them on the blog or photograph them until they get settled and feel safe.

Abobe, a load of bedding, crammed into a refugee coordinator’s car. It’s lovely to see these photos and feel the love and goodwill coming from those packages. I wish I had the words, but thank you, dear patriots, for what you have done and are doing still.

Thank You!