A warm story about cold play

SNOW DAY—Youngsters from Pegi's Child Care and Preschool in Camarillo play in snow brought to them by Scott Cofield, the day care's next-door neighbor, who trucked in the patch of snow from his job in Palmdale. Pegi Stenberg, owner of the day care, said the delivery of snow was a "random act of kindness." In this time of economic difficulty, global warming and general gloomy news, I have found myself looking around for those little ways in which I might make some small difference from time to time. Maybe just picking up the plastic bag blown into the bushes and throwing it away, smiling at strangers and saying hello or sitting down with a child to just listen when I think I am too busy.

I have operated a licensed child care in Camarillo for over 10 years. The 12 children in my care range in age from 6 months to 5 years old. We have lots of fun and sometimes it gets loud. At pickup and drop-off time, my street can be a very busy place.

My neighbors on one side are three typical 20-something young guys with Jeeps, SUVs and trucks, friends with trucks, nice big dogs and the occasional semi-loud (not rivaling my children's daytime decibels) preannounced party.

We have always been the friendly, front-yard-waving sort of neighbors.

Last Friday, there was a knock at my door about 10:45 a.m. It was one of the guys, Scott Cofield, from next door. He motioned for me to follow him out front and, pointing to his lawn, asked "Do you think your kids would like to play in the snow?"

Scott had been working in Palmdale, which had been blanketed by the storm.

This young man, getting off work, having to drive back home to Camarillo, took the time to fill the back of his pickup with snow so that 12 little children he didn't even know could have the opportunity to touch and play in real snow, most for the first time.

We brought out cardboard sleds, made snowballs and snowmen and played until we were very cold, wet and unforgettably content.

Random acts of kindness. Some go unseen, some go unsaid and then there are those that will never be forgotten. Scott was not looking for praise or recognition. He was thinking of others, being kind and thoughtful.

I thought your readers might like to know that in this time of doubt and disillusion, there are still Scott Cofields out there; you may just need to take the time to look around. Maybe look right next door. Pegi Stenberg Santa Rosa Valley