Windham Rescue Association to send care packages to soldiers by Lorraine Glowczak

The 40 packages to be sent to soldiers

The Windham Rescue Association collected donations, creating care packages to send to soldiers by the end of the year. Many of these soldiers are located in various parts of the world and won’t be able to make it home for the holidays.
 

Dena’s Lobster House and Tavern graciously donated their space and Flamin Raymin/Sizzlin Suzzan provided the line dancing activities and music on the Sunday, October 29 event organized by the Association. Those attending the event were asked to bring donations for care packages in lieu of purchasing a ticket. 

“We were overwhelmed by the turn out and donations,” stated Lynn Vajda, an active member of the association. “The American Legion of Naples provided 20 pre-packed boxes to be shipped. Nichols Manufacturing of Portland donated 20 pre-packed bins with toiletries, I-tune cards and snacks. The VFW Post 10643 donated over $300 in cash to assist with shipping. Through a dessert raffle and 2 large baskets donated by McDonalds, over $400 in cash to cover the postage.”

The Windham Rescue Association began about 20 years ago and consist of members who are either working or have worked in Fire/Rescue/Police departments. Its mission is to provide scholarships for high school students who choose to go into the police/fire or EMT fields as well as to raise funds to assist any equipment needs of the fire department. 

Vajda, who presently serves in the 265th Maine Air National Guard in South Portland, states that the association chose to send care packages for the soldiers this year too, to honor not only her service to her country but to the other association members, including her son and husband, who have or are currently serving in the armed forces. 

On Thursday, November 16, Vajda hosted the packing party at her home. “We packed over 40 boxes to ship to the soldiers,” Vajda said. “Some are local Windham residents who will not be home for the holidays. The rescue association has done fundraisers to support purchasing extra equipment for the fire department, as well as providing two scholarships of $500 to Windham High School students going into the field of EMS or Police.”

For those who would like to make a donation to the Windham Rescue Association as they carry out their mission, contact Vajda at vajdac@westbrookschools.org.