Bake sale raises money for Oso disaster victims

Mindy Wilkins left takes a donation from Suzanne Iverson, while Boy Scout Mitchell Nelson waits for another customer. Photo by Karen Lovett, KP News

Last month local residents fed their sweet cravings and open their pocketbooks in support of Oso landslide victims.

When Bob and Mindy Wilkins heard about the devastating mudslide in Oso they wanted to do something. Mindy Wilkins posted a notice on the “Key Peninsula” Facebook page five days after the disaster. She said they were amazed by the positive response and the desire of so many people in the community who wanted to contribute their time and money to the cause.

Members of Boy Scout Troup 220 volunteered to man the booth along with many others.

The sale was held at the Food Market April 5 - 6, three weeks after the fateful day. Organizers said that 100 percent of donated funds would be going to the needy. The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation will distribute money through Umpqua Bank.

Throughout the event, people were dropping off goods and money. Even if they didn’t want to buy sweets, many people generously donated money for the cause, Wilkins said.

“There’s been such an immediate response it’s been incredible,” said Colleen Murphy, a neighbor of Wilkins.

Pam and Gary Cumbie wanted to come and help another small community. “We can’t go search in the mud, but we wanted to do something. A lot of people can’t do much, but they can bake,” Pam Cumbie said.

On Saturday, they sold more than half of their goods in the first half hour. More baked goods came in on Sunday.

“Many people felt a connection to another small town. They wanted to talk and to grieve. Some were in tears,” Wilkins added.

Wilkins said the sale was a great success. Some could only afford to give $1, others contributed much more, but all wanted to contribute something. Thanks to some generous donations in addition to purchases, they earned $4,320

The money was hand-delivered to the Umpqua Bank in Gig Harbor. Much more will be needed for the victim’s financial aid. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation can still do so at the Umpqua Bank 3123 56th Street. N. W.  For more information, call (253) 926-4000.