A random act of kindness became a new DELL computer for one local student after winning the national “Do a Good Deed Contest.”

Dacota Ownbey, a Dunlap School fifth-grader who organized a mini toy drive to benefit neighbors during the holiday season, was recognized by Dr. Kirk Specht, a local sponsor of the Do a Good Deed Contest, at a ceremony held at Dunlap School on June 9.

Specht became affiliated

with the contest through Doctor

Relation.com, an Internet engine with the purpose of improving patient-doctor relations. The contest - aimed at inspiring youth to become involved in their communities - encourages young people, up to 18 years of age, to do a good deed and submit an essay detailing their deed, motivation and what they gained from the experience.

Entries ranged from stories of youth who did yard work for elderly relatives to young people who regularly took dinner to neighbors.

“In today's world it is important that we acknowledge young people's good deeds,” Specht said. “It is not true, as portrayed frequently in the news, that only bad things are happening. By focusing on what is good, we can get a different perspective of our society and encourage ourselves and the younger generation to do more good deeds.”

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Ownbey's good deed reflects “spirit and willingness to give,” said Renee Comeau, Specht's director of public relations.

During Christmas, Ownbey found herself pining for toys she could not have. Only a new pair of shoes would greet her Christmas morning. At first she was disappointed, but then it came to her attention that a close friend and neighbor had no tree and would have no gifts.

With this in mind Ownbey organized a mini toy drive.

She and her extended family searched through toy boxes and jewelry boxes ultimately sacrificing once beloved toys in order to put together gifts for her friend and his family.

The donation was made anonymously.

June 17, 2008