Yesterday, we asked for help getting some elementary school kids a Goody Bag to take to the 5th grade as they moved up. The teachers asked for $160. They got that and more in just a few hours.

“We have enough now,” wrote teacher Kathy Sosa, a great friend to immigrant children. “Thank you so much. Between your donation and others, we have already raised $335. We will be able to add more to the bags and the celebration. That is so amazing.” The money came almost instantly.

It is fantastic, and amazing, but not surprising, the Army of Good knows a just cost when they see one. Most donations were received via Venmo; additional contributions are expected to arrive by mail.

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 each of their children a Goody Bag, something they can’t ask their parents for since they are struggling financially to afford even the most basic necessities.

The teachers were hoping to give their newly arrived students a moving-up ceremony as they prepare for the fifth grade next semester. I know some of 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?”

We could and we did, and I am grateful for the chance to support those children as they face significant challenges in transforming to American life.

They have enough, but you can still 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 – Kathleen-Saso is her Venmo ID.

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]

You may recall that we recently raised money for snacks for the kindergartners, as the teachers were running low on funds to buy them. This is the America I know and Love, a land of big hearts.

Kathy says the teachers now have enough for their Good Bag and celebration. Teachers often need help in supporting children whose parents are struggling with their transition to the new environment. The few state and federal programs aimed at helping these children are being slashed or eliminated. Any additional money will be put to good use, I assure you. In the meantime, thank you once more for your generosity and kindness. These kids and their families need all the help they can get.

You give us all hope and faith.

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

Thanks again.