Hazen senior takes action to help Japanese quake relief

Published 10:05 am Thursday, April 28, 2011

Ever since Ashley Dobson was little, she was given the opportunity to serve the community with her family who are active Lions Club members.

She chose to serve. Being raised in such a household, it was only natural that she was moved to action when she heard about the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in March.

The 18-year-old senior at Hazen High School decided to become involved when she learned about U.S. soldiers and their families who were voluntarily evacuating from Japan. Ashley’s mother Diane, who works for Horizon Airlines, told her about the 8,000 to 10,000 soldiers and their families whose first point of contact was Sea-Tac Airport. The soldiers were arriving at the airport at the beginning of the Spring Break travel season, making flight availability limited. Many had to set up at nearby hotels, while others took refuge right at the airport to wait for their flights.

Diane Dobson heard how the mezzanine was turned into a childcare facility and the USO sought emergency donations to help cover basic needs of the soldiers’ families such as diapers, baby wipes, children’s underwear, snacks, juices, and other items.

When Ashley first heard about the devastation in Japan her mind raced to thoughts of people she knew there. She’s been to Japan twice, most recently in 2006. Her grandfather was part of a Renton sister city project with Nishiwaki, Japan. After she learned that her friends were far from the affected area, worry turned to what-if scenarios about what would happen here if such a disaster were to strike here.

“Even though the people I know weren’t affected, it was still near and dear to my heart,” said Ashley.

That’s when she got the idea to start a donations drive and enlist the help of her fellow Lions Club members. She joined the club when she turned 18 in September. After getting the OK from the club president, she sent an email out asking for donations to other club members. That email circulated outside of her club to other clubs, churches, neighborhood associations and people in the community. Ashley even spoke to a group of employees at the Federal Aviation Administration.

“It was crazy, I thought I would just be able to raise a few things and help out, but I was able to raise a ton,” she said.

In a week and a half to two-week period, she raised $1,300 and more than 400 pounds of donations.

Officials in Japan continue to respond to the disaster, including the containment of nuclear reactors.

In the meantime, Ashley plans to continue to collect donations.

She graduates from high school in June and plans to attend Western Washington University in the fall.

While she isn’t sure what area of study and career she will pursue, community service will remain a part of her life.