See a need, get it done

Dear Editor:

I would like to respond to Mr. Rob Freedman's letter on improving our community.

I agree that lack of funds doesn't have to be a roadblock preventing us from being a vibrant and engaged community.

We need to stop thinking "what can my government do for me" and get back to a "can do" attitude.

Don't sit back and wait for someone else to get something started. Do something about it.

A couple of recent examples: A group of interested community members wanted to bring a soap box derby to Stanwood, so they organized to get it done. This year's race had 52 entries, making it one of the largest on the West Coast. Our local group was even awarded the 2009 Excellent Race City Award.

Another example is the Safe Harbor Clinic, which provides health services to the low-income uninsured population of Island, Skagit and Snohomish counties. Again, concerned citizens and organizations saw the need and decided to do something about it

As the father of two young boys, I was surprised by the lack of playgrounds in our area, especially those suitable for younger children. I got together with other community members to build a playground at Freedom Park at Terry's Corner. Now we are looking for 750 volunteers of all ages and abilities to help us build in May 2010. I invite you to visit www.iheartparks. org for further information.

These are the types of projects that help build and define our community, and they have at least one common thread: They were all started by community members who saw a need and acted on it. I encourage everyone to find a project or issue you're interested in, large or small, and pursue it.

Greg Gilday Camano Island