The mudslide disaster in Oso is almost beyond belief. Many are dead and the toll keeps rising. Homes are gone, buried under tons of mud. While we can’t image the grief suffered by that community, Issaquah and Sammamish residents have responded in force to help.

Last week, a call put out by the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank resulted in enough food and supplies to fill a 30-foot moving van – plus four pickups and a car. This past Tuesday, firefighters with Eastside Fire and Rescue loaded another truck with digging equipment.

In all – and in less than a week – tons of relief supplies were bought, packed and shipped north.

The local effort really isn’t a surprise. Our communities always have responded when called upon to help, whether it is holiday giving, volunteering for community events or this – stepping up with their time, effort and dollars. The list of those who sprung into action is deep. Here’s only a partial list:

Penske donated the truck used by the Food and Clothing Bank. Issaquah Signs paid for the gas to get the truck to Oso. The Rotary Club of Sammamish collected $650, headed to Costco, and bought food and supplies for the Oso community. Home Depot provided boxes and gave deep discounts on needed equipment. Church and service groups, along with firefighters, showed up to get the first truck loaded and on its way. And throughout the communities, businesses offered to collect funds for the relief effort.

The ordeal at Oso isn’t over. Even families that survived can be facing financial devastation. And, sadly, some victims may never be found.

Residents of Issaquah and Sammamish have shown that  distance doesn’t define neighborhoods. They’re our neighbors,  We’re ready to help as needed.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter