Hartsongs

In the face of disaster. Nary a comment or reaction to the severe flooding we are experiencing in Washington and Oregon...is it because they're 'Blue' states?

Local communities, by contrast, line up to help their neighbors.

At least seven tractor-trailer trucks will head Thursday from Renton to those flood-stricken areas, as well as others, so Salvation Army and local officials can give the items to those in need, news director Holly Gauntt said.

"The community has been unbelievable," she said, referring to donors. "This is part of us being problem solvers and working for our community."

As of Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the station had received thousands of pounds in clothing, baby food, bottled water, blankets, shovels, rakes and cleaning supplies.

Area residents had donated more than $50,000 in cash, as well as gift cards.

People started dropping off items Wednesday morning at the IKEA store in Renton and collections were accepted through the station's 11 p.m. newscast, she added.

Teamsters and the Mayflower moving company provided the trucks, and donors often waited up to 30 minutes to contribute, Gauntt said. "It's been a trail of cars," she said.