Two days ago, I got a plea for help this week from the teachers at the Albany International Academy, a special school that helps refugee children. The school is struggling financially, like many others. Teacher Kathleen Saso and Leslie Bellow Brown want to give their children a goody bag, something they can’t ask their parents for since they are struggling financially to afford even the most necessities.

The teachers are hoping to give their newly arrived students a moving-up ceremony as they prepare for the fifth grade next semester. I know these teachers; they are incredibly dedicated, caring, and hardworking, and they have spent a significant amount of their own money on buying food and snacks (we helped them with that a month or so ago, thank you).

“We would like to purchase shirts for the students and host a ceremony for the kindergarten students, who are all newcomers to the United States,” said Teacher Kathy Sosa. “We want to purchase shirts for the students and provide them with a goody bag that includes a coloring book, crayons, and a school notebook. We priced it out, and to do this, it costs $10 per child (they decided to call me). We can’t ask our families for money… Could you help us?”

I can, and I will. I hope the Army of Good can also. If these were items from a private school, nobody would bat an eye. The PTA is giving us $5 a child. It’s all they can afford, but not enough.

I said we would certainly try to help. The donations should go directly to the teachers, not to me. I offered to pay the difference if they don’t receive enough donations. If they receive more than they need, the excess funds will be used for next year’s class and for items they need but cannot afford. The teachers are poorly paid and struggle to support their students.

Here’s how you can help, if you’d like. It’s a beautiful cause:

You can contribute to Kathy Saso by mail or Venmo  (see below) or by check to  Kathy Kosa, c/o Albany International Academy, 50 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210. You can also donate by check to Leslie Bellow Brown, c/o Albany International Academy, 50 Lark Street, Albany, N.Y., 12210.

You can also contribute via Venmo.

Kathy’s e-mail is [email protected]. The Venmo QR code below worked for me. If you have any questions, you can email Kathy at [email protected].

Kathy’s e-mail is also [email protected]

Kathy’s Venmo ID is Kathleen Saso@Kathleen-Saso.

Thanks so much for doing this. These kids have been through a lot and have a long, hard road ahead of them. The Good Bag is the least we can do.