For the fourth year, JWI volunteers in New York delivered joy to the women of a local shelter. Never are the same clients in attendance from one year's Mothers' Day party to the next, but the loyal volunteers from Queens Council of Jewish Women International are, thankfully, much the same and better than ever.

We arrived with gifts and flowers. Within a half an hour, the community-room looked like a lavender and white paradise, with three huge long-stemmed rose-filled vases on the tables set with party service. On another table were many gaily colored shopping bags, each with the name of a client inscribed on it. The staff of the Transition Center had specified needed items for each client, according to size, etc., and, wherever possible, the gift order was filled. In this glorious setting of color and anticipation, we readied ourselves to meet the mothers being honored.

As they filed in, we sensed the seriousness of the occasion from their demeanors and the clinging postures of the few children with them. They were accompanied by their director, one of their social workers and their psychologist, all three with smiling and reassuring countenances. Pretty soon, all of our smiling faces blended and the scene was set for our program.

As we all sat around to participate in individual introductions, we soon realized the need for Spanish-English translation. Marguerite, the psychologist, filled that need as Ruth, the seemingly youngest mother present, introduced herself. She did so with such a flood of tears (just a few months in the country, with a new baby, no "mama" - no friends, no English) that there was not a dry eye amongst us. Before we knew it, in front of our eyes, we saw hands and hearts, reaching out to help this little Ruth. (One held her baby, another comforted her; certainly, the psychologist was taking note.) And so, the introductions took place, as each woman present was given the opportunity to speak. Some could only smile, or cry, or, as Leslie, the director, did, give us all her blessings. This, on her part, served to stabilize a most emotionally charged atmosphere, set by Ruth's situation.

Did we ever need a mood change -- and we were ready for it. Sylvia Popkin of Independence Chapter with her twinkling eye, ready smile and throaty voice led us all in merry song. Before we knew it, her infectious personality took over and did the trick. Even the babies responded well. Before we knew it, time was up. Each mother left, gift-bag and long-stemmed rose in hand; and each one gave a heartfelt hug and a kiss to our line of hostesses.

Any member of JWI in Queens who has the pleasure of considering The Transition Center as part of her program of "mitzvah work" must consider this our personal report and tribute to you. Without you, we could not have been doing this FOR YEARS. As part of Jewish Women International, please pat yourself on the back!