By DEBORAH SANTEE

The company that I work for, ABODA Corporate Housing, had chosen Northwest Harvest as our fourth-quarter charity/community project. My daughter Taylor asked why I planned to buy a gi-normous, Costco-size bag of both rice and one of beans. I explained about the predicament that the food banks are facing this season – layoffs, more need, etc. – and that 70 percent of the recipients are children and the elderly.

She became quiet and retrospective and then said, “Hey, mom, I have an idea” for a neighborhood food drive.

She wagered that the other girls in our ’hood (Maple Woods) would probably be willing to help. We sent out an e-mail to the neighbors and got an overwhelming, positive “Yes” to the idea.

The girls gathered last Sunday) at 3 and, with their little red wagon and Northwest Harvest donation box in tow, set out to fill it. It took them about two hours of going door to door while systematically splitting up in teams and each tackling a side of the street.

They were cold and tired, but they refused to give up until the box and wagon were filled to capacity.

These girls are setting an example of how everyone, regardless of age and with a little effort, can make an impact on our world.

Deborah Santee lives in Maple Valley.

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