Last weekend, BRANDY HATCH of Gearhart, a friend of the Kim family, told the Ear that she wanted to join the family’s separate and unofficial search for JAMES KIM, who was still missing in Southern Oregon after leaving his wife and children behind in their stranded car when he went to look for help. Hatch’s own car was in no shape for such a long drive, so she decided to rent one. One problem loomed – she had limited funds.

Several car rental places turned her down, so she was pretty discouraged by the time she arrived at LUM’S AUTO CENTER in Astoria. ANDREA JASPER at Lum’s had a deal Hatch couldn’t pass up – Lum’s would donate half the price of the rental. Delighted with the deal, and anxious to hit the road, Hatch drove off to join the search.

While Kim’s friends and family in Oakland, Calif., coordinated the search, Hatch drove more than 1,300 miles, driving 15 hours a day, during the four days she searched with the car. Unfortunately James Kim did not survive.

Upon bringing the car back to Lum’s, she was reminded to fill the gas tank. When she returned from gassing up the car, she was greeted by JULIE AND LAURIE LUM, who flatly refused to take any money at all for the car rental. Hatch, who was delighted and flabbergasted, offered to contribute to the cost of the rental, but the Lums refused.

The Lums’ generosity is clearly matched by their compassion. Well done.