When someone new comes to the Mansion, the staff sets out to try to figure out what they want and what they need. I do the same thing. I was told that Bert loves Bingo – she arrived at the Mansion a few days ago – and she showed up tonight at our Friday Bingo game.

I introduced myself – she loves dogs and loved Red, he is a great ice-breaker – and I asked her what she needed and what she loved to do. She was well dressed and quite sharp, I sensed she was very bright.

She hesitated and said she loved large print crossword puzzles. Great, I said, and I  sat down and ordered three online, they are coming Monday.

She was surprised at this, puzzled. I said there was no charge for this, it was just something I did, and I mentioned the Army Of Good, people from all over the country who want to help the residents get what they need.

Sometimes people can’t quite figure out who I am and what I am doing there but if they see Red, they assume I must be okay. I assure them there is no charge for the things they love and need.

I love this part of the work – figuring out what people love and need and getting it to them. It is the most satisfying feeling in the world and I can’t thank the Army Of Good enough for making this happen.

She’ll tell me her story if she wants me to know, I don’t ask.

Large print crossword puzzles are not a big deal. They cost between $7 and $10 apiece and I told Bert if she needs it, we can get her a stand with a magnifying glass/reader.

This is a small thing for me, but a huge thing for  Bert. She lit up so much when I told her she would have these puzzles soon. This is the work. Everybody needs something, sooner or later.

You can write Bert if you wish, she’s Bert, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. She may not be able to read small print letters.

If you wish to contribute to the Mansion work, you can donate via Paypal, [email protected] or by check, Jon Katz, The Mansion Work, P.O.  Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Thanks. Your money will be put to good use, small contributions are as welcome as big ones.