This week, in Do Good Land:
The Afghan Refugee Child Toy Wish List will go up on Amazon this coming Wednesday. These are toys they requested; their children have crossed the world, moved into small apartments, encountered cold weather, and can’t register in school or make friends for a while.
The Afghan parents are all asking for toys; we hope to oblige. Feel free to send new toys on your own also; the refugee kids encompass all age groups. They must be unique and packaged – you can send them to bishop Maginn High School, Free Store, 75 Park Avenue, Albany, N.Y., 12202.
Or wait until Wednesday. Or donate to Jon Katz. Afghan Refugees, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816
___
The first three sewing machines arrived at Bishop Maginn High School this morning, Maria and I will be going to the school tomorrow. She will teach the kids how to use sewing machines, and I will be interviewing one or two Bishop Maginn refugee students.
____
The first five bathrobes arrived at the Mansion today, four more coming later this week. The aides have noticed that many of the residents don’t have bathrobes, and those morning showers can be frigid.
The aides are doing a final count; we plan to make sure that everyone who wants or needs a bathrobe will get one.
___
(Ley, Bishop Maginn sophomore.
If you wish to contribute to Afghan refugee support or the Mansion work, you can do so by donating via Paypal, [email protected], or via Venmo, [email protected]. Or, if you prefer, by sending a check to Jon Katz, Mansion/Refugee fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
The Afghan refugees have arrived with nothing but their clothes. Several different organizations are rushing to help them. Housing is being found for them.
We have a free store set up in the high school; the families can choose what clothes or household supplies they want. If they can’t make it to the school, refugee coordinators will pick up the food and clothing and bring it directly to them.
We have gift certificates for food and turkeys if they wish. They have enough blankets and comforters to be warm, at least for the moment.
As we learn more about their needs – they need just about everything – we’ll share the information and see how and if we can help further.
The toys are essential. I’m eager to get the toy wish list going. It will make a massive difference in the lives of these shell-shocked families. Look for it on Wednesday.