Fairway Independent Mortgage organizing The Patriot Challenge fundraiser

Fairway Mortgage Corporation is spearheading a fundraiser, The Patriot Challenge, aimed at providing care packages for every one of the 500 Delawarean troops currently deployed overseas. Each serviceperson will receive a box that contains everyday necessities such as toothbrushes, razors, socks and sunscreen, as well as some reminders of home, including magazines, small games and hard candy.

“Our initial goal was to provide a few care packages to the troops overseas who have some connection to Fairway Mortgage, either clients, friends or family members,” said Gail Alm from Fairway Mortgage. “However, a colleague asked us if we would like the names of all 500 Delawareans deployed, and we decided to try and put together care packages for all of them.”

The company is asking for the public’s assistance in collecting the items that will be sent in the care packages to the troops. Specifically, they are looking for toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, socks, chewing gum, protein bars, trail mix (individual packs), Pringles, dry cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, hard candy (no chocolate), baby wipes, powdered drink mix, sugar packs, quart and gallon zip-top bags, small games, small stuffed animals, small sewing/eyeglass repair kits, recycled magazines, nail clippers, lip balm, medicated body powder and sunscreen.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations: Fairway Independent Mortgage in Rehoboth Beach, Fairway Independent Mortgage in Wilmington, and Coldwell Banker in Rehoboth, Lewes or Seaford; Active Adults Realty in Lewes; Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty in Rehoboth or Bethany; McKee Builder sites at the Villages at Brandywine North Wilmington, Spring Arbor in Middletown, or Champion’s Club in Magnolia; Village at Bayberry-Blenheim Builders; or CAMP Rehoboth.

The company is also asking for volunteers to help assemble packages from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at St. John’s Beloved, 907 Millton Road in Wilmington; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Rehoboth Beach Fire Hall at 219 Rehoboth Ave.

The packing events will be fun for the whole family, and everyone is invited to help pack the care packages. “If you are unable to assemble the packages, there will be a station designated for writing notes and for children to color pictures to add to the packages,” said Alm. The team is also preparing special care packages for the Canine Corps that will be filled with dog treats and toys.

To find out more about donating to The Patriot Challenge or volunteering at one of the packing events, email Alm at gail@gailalm.com or call Fairway Mortgage at 302-260-7088.

More information is available at www.facebook.com/fairwaypatriotchallenge.