Community: Sale benefits injured worker

July Fourth weekend really made me proud to live here as I met more and more wonderful residents. About three weeks ago a co-worker of mine at Mitzel’s, Tammy, was in a car accident at the north end of the island. She rolled her car three times and finally stopped by hitting a telephone pole. She was airlifted to Harborview where they found a piece of glass that had gone through her eye lid and eye, and came to rest behind the eye. She has no health insurance and only liability on her car. Her boyfriend is a musician and they have a nine-month-old little girl. She has already had several surgeries and still has more to come to try and save her eye.

The crew at Mitzel’s wanted to do something to help her so we all donated our treasures and had a yard sale at my house. People who came to my house were so kind and generous, saying keep the change and even if they did not purchase anything, they donated for her, with only ONE exception, (maybe they are not islanders).

At the end on Sunday my family was loading into the van to go and collect our signs when two women with a small child pulled in. I explained that the sale was over, all items were a dollar from this point on and to just leave her money in the jar. Upon returning, there was nothing in the jar; however, they had helped themselves to all the shoes, four dining room chairs, loads of clothing, a CB radio and my porch swing that, by the way, was bolted to my porch. Maybe they could bring my swing back?

Otherwise, I am truly a proud islander and am touched by all the good people here. Thank you to the people of Whidbey. We were able to raise $729 for Tammy.

Helen Farrell

Oak Harbor

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.