Camp Fire candy seller’s act of kindness resonates

EVERETT — Kat Oberman was heading back to bed the morning of Feb. 9, sick to her stomach with flu, when the young girl knocked on her door.

The girl said she was in Camp Fire and selling candy for a fundraiser. Would she like to buy some?

Oberman said she was very sick and would have to pass. The girl politely left. And Oberman headed off to bed.

The next day, Oberman worked herself up to take out the trash. On her doorstep, she found a can of chicken-and-rice soup, and a 3-by-5 card with a smiley face and this note handwritten in red ink: “Get well soon from the Camp Fire girls. I heard soup helps.”

That note is now on Oberman’s refrigerator. And she has been sharing the story with friends and family ever since. She also relayed the story to the Camp Fire Snohomish County Council, which has yet to identify the young candy seller.

“She deserves so much kudos,” Oberman said. “She needs to understand, I’ll probably have that note on my refrigerator for years. I’ll look at it and know there are amazing, thoughtful people out there. I don’t know if she knows how much she touched me. Those little acts of kindness — they go so far.”

Camp Fire is a national co-ed youth group serving boys and girls from 3 years through high school, as well as the entire family. The clubs and camps aim to empower young people to make their world a better place.

Local leaders say the young candy seller exemplifies what Camp Fire stands for.

“We are proud to have this young lady represent Camp Fire so well,” said Michael Deal, director of operations for Camp Fire Snohomish County.

Oberman knows firsthand the benefits of Camp Fire.

Growing up in Kirkland, she was involved in Camp Fire from a young age, starting as a Bluebird (now called Starflight), all the way through high school.

“It’s a great organization,” said Oberman, now 50. “I like the fact that it promotes goodwill. I like that it’s community oriented. You were really taught to think of others — just like this young girl did.”

By the way, that candy sale? It continues through today.

Need candy?

Camp Fire kids are selling a variety of candy for $5. If you would like to buy some, call 425-258-5437 or visit the Camp Fire Training &Resource Center at 4312 Rucker Ave., Everett. But act fast. Today’s the last day of the sale. More info: www.campfireusasnohomish.org.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Boeing firefighters union members and supporters hold an informational picket at Airport Road and Kasch Park Road on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Biden weighs in on Boeing lockout of firefighters in Everett, elsewhere

On Thursday, the president expressed support for the firefighters, saying he was “concerned” Boeing had locked them out over the weekend.

Everett officer Curtis Bafus answers an elderly woman’s phone. (Screen shot from @dawid.outdoor's TikTok video)
Everett officer catches phone scammer in the act, goes viral on TikTok

Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said it was unclear when the video with 1.5 million views was taken, saying it could be “years old.”

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin, left, former Everett City Council member Scott Murphy
Former Everett council member announces run for Everett mayor

Scott Murphy says the city is “worse off than we were six years ago” when Mayor Cassie Franklin took office. She’s up for re-election next year.

The Marysville School District office on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
State: Marysville school plan ‘does not comply,’ must be fixed by Wednesday

In a letter, the state superintendent’s office outlined concerns with the work the district has done so far — and warned of more oversight.

Bothell
Bellingham driver sentenced for street-racing crash that killed Bothell man

Addison J. Parker, 28, died in the crash in September 2021. The driver got nearly six years in prison last month.

Everett
Charges dismissed for Everett man accused of ramming Yakima police gates

A judge last week deemed Jose Guadalupe Mendez incompetent to stand trial in the June 2023 incident.

Amazon workers wrap up pallets of orders for shipment at the new PAE2 Amazon Fulfillment Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Amazon to open new satellite internet manufacturing center in Everett

The 184,000-square-foot Amazon facility with 200 employees will support Project Kuiper, the company’s broadband internet network.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council champions dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Bob Ferguson gets two Bob Fergusons to exit governor’s race

Attorney General Ferguson vowed to see those who share his name prosecuted if they didn’t drop out.

The nose of the 500th 787 Dreamliner at the assembly plant in Everett on Wednesday morning on September 21, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Ex-Boeing engineer, sidelined after a 787 critique, defends troubled plane

Dueling narratives emerged as Boeing’s credibility is near an all-time low, leaving industry observers and the public at a loss as to the risk.

A gas station at the intersection of 41st Street and Rucker Avenue advertises diesel for more than $5 a gallon and unleaded for more than $4.70 a gallon on Friday, May 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
As gas prices near $5 in Everett, who has the best deal around?

For some, it’s good to drive an electric vehicle these days. For the rest of us, we’re scouting for the cheapest pumps — and looking at north Snohomish County.

Police respond to a wrong way crash Thursday night on Highway 525 in Lynnwood after a police chase. (Photo provided by Washington State Department of Transportation)
Charges: Man ‘snapped,’ kidnapped woman before fatal crash on Highway 525

Robert Rowland, 37, became violent when he learned his partner was going into treatment for substance abuse, according to new charges.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.