I want to thank Lynne from Illinois for sending a $500 check for me to buy personal items for the Mansion residents at Christmas. I’ll be at Walgreens, the Dollar Store, and Amazon looking for disinfectant soap, shampoo, deodorant, hygiene napkins, toothpaste, razor blades, and shaving gel.

These items give the residents comfort and dignity and are so appreciated. In her note, Lynne said she wanted the money to provide the residents with the necessary personal items.

So many of the residents come to the Mansion quickly, and without time to prepare, they often need the things we all take for granted. I’ve been working to feel that gap for the past five years.

Thanks to Lynne and her kind check – I can’t think of a more appropriate gift at Christmas – I’ll be able to bring many of these things to the Mansion before Thanksgiving and before Christmas.

Tuesday, I’m bringing a large load of scarves, socks, sweaters, and winter boots to the Mansion; I’ve been visiting my little network of consignment stores.

They are very good to us.

This check will help a lot; I can always use more (and they will need more). You can donate to the Mansion Fund via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo, Jon-Katz@Jon-Katz-13 on  Venmo.

You can also send a check, as Lynee did, to Jon Katz, the Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

During the holidays, I made a special effort to make sure the residents had what they needed. I’ve been collecting names and requests for a few weeks now.

Lynne, I can’t thank you enough for this timely gift. Things are suitable for many people now, and your $500 will go a long way; I’ll see to it. Christmas is not about what we get but what we give. You honor the holiday with grace.