and Jackie Valencia-Mendoza

Times/News

The old Gottschalk's (still Lamonts to some) opened its doors again last week.

The woman's department was stocked, shoes came in all sizes and styles, and the toy section was large enough to make one wonder if FAO Schwartz had reemerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Women, men, and children circled the store, squeaky wheeled shopping carts in tow, filled to the top with everything from baby blankets to toaster ovens.

Yet this was not a grand opening sale but a grand gesture by volunteers wanting to do something proactive for the victims of hurricane Katrina.

"It has literally been so amazing," said volunteer Jodie Tomlinson. "It has looked like a drive-through the way that people have lined up in their cars to drop off donations and they are being greeted with shopping carts."

Through Sept. 8, Burien Hurricane Relief effort volunteers had meticulously packed and labeled more than 3,600 boxes, ready for shipment to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio.

One tractor-trailer rig had been filled to capacity and was to depart Sept. 14. An estimated 10 semi loads were still awaiting transportation.

The confirmed shipment included critical-need items such as diapers, infant formula and flip-flops, as well as stuffed animals, which were requested by relief workers in San Antonio for the children enduring the trauma of their losses.

What began as a local call to action to help the victims of Katrina quickly turned into one of the biggest collection centers in the area, volunteer Tom Cole said.

The humble beginning of this relief effort was reflected in hand-written signs posted all over the city. Word spread fast, eventually fetching donations and volunteers from all around the South Sound.

Volunteers worked almost non-stop starting Sept. 3. Some worked until nearly 2 a.m. to make sure every item was sent to the right place. Others apologized as they left because they were tired yet wanted to stay and do more.

But no one left hungry because local businesses provided food for the volunteers.

When 21-year-old Tyrone Davis, a South Seattle Community College student, heard that donations were needed, he brought some clothes. When he got to the collection center and saw the need for volunteers, he stayed to help - and returned several times during the week.

Jesus Mejia, who came with his wife to sort donated items, said he wanted to help because he knows others would have done the same for him.

Six days into Burien Hurricane Relief, 67-year-old Darlene Burrill had already worked 7.5 hours for four consecutive days, and said she would keep coming until she got too tired.

Diane Anderson and Jennifer Sullivan of Vashon Island got a call from friend in Burien saying more donations were needed.

Anderson, who owns a consignment shop, packed 60 bags of clothing. Then she and Sullivan dropped their kids off at school and jumped on the ferry.

Donations left hardly any visible floor space and packed boxes were stacked eight feet high, spanning more than a third of the building. It was apparent that the efforts of volunteers - and donors - were incredibly successful.

On the evening of Sept. 8, Tomlinson and Cole walked down the aisles counting over 100 volunteers.

"This is the true spirit of America ... when it is needed we all come together to make it happen," said Cole.