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

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Riaz Khan finally won office in 2019 on his fifth try. Now he’s running for state Legislature. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Ex-Democrat leader from Mukilteo switches parties to run for state House

Riaz Khan resigned from the 21st Legislative District Democrats and registered to run as a Republican, challenging Rep. Strom Peterson.

Shirley Sutton
Sutton resigns from Lynnwood council, ‘effective immediately’

Part of Sutton’s reason was her “overwhelming desire” to return home to the Yakima Valley.

Michelle Bennett Wednesday afternoon during a meet-and-greet with Edmonds Police Chief finalists at the Edmonds Library on August 4, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Edmonds police chief accidentally fires gun inside police vehicle

Michelle Bennett was at a city fueling facility when her gun went off. Nobody was injured. Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen was reviewing the incident.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Darrington in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Gunshot prompts massive police response near Darrington; ends peacefully

A man wanted for robbery fired a shot when deputies converged. Authorities shut down Highway 530 near Darrington. No deputies were injured.

Everett
Dog rescued, 10 displaced after apartment fire south of Everett

Fire crews rescued a dog from the third floor of an apartment building, where sprinklers confined the fire.

Marysville
Marysville man arrested in alleged murder conspiracy in Anacortes

Jesse Michael Allen, of Marysville, is the fifth suspect police believe participated in an alleged kidnapping in September.

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.

Rylee Fink, 3, left, stomps through the sand while other children run through the water during a low tide at Howarth Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stock up on sunblock: Highs in 80s could be coming to Snohomish County

Everett could hit a high of 79 on Saturday. Farther inland, temperatures could reach as high as 86 this weekend.

Neighbors stand in Lisa Jansson’s yard to get a view of the wall of processed wood remains, or “hog fuel,” building up along the property’s border with DTG on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility

For months, neighbors have reported constant noise and pollution at the facility. By July 15, DTG must stop accepting material there.

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.