The Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce is collecting items to donate to the Marine platoon of 25-year-old borough resident Steven D'Argenio, who is serving in Afghanistan.

Through its Adopt-A-Platoon program the past eight years, the Chamber has conducted a number of similar charitable drives on behalf of residents serving in Afghanistan or Iraq, Executive Director Debbie Berowitz said.

D'Argenio, currently a lance corporal in the Marines, wanted to serve his country "since he was in high school" and did so "after three three times of be begging him not to go," said Ruth D'Argenio, his mother. Ruth said she wants to make sure members of Steven's unit—3/2 India Company, 3rd Platoon—are "nourished in a motherly way." She said she wants to "nurture them as my own children."

Drop-off sites for donations include Head Lines Hair Salon (6-17 Fair Lawn Ave.), Giovanni's Deli (14-29 River Road), and the Chamber of Commerce office (Suite #4 at 12-45 River Road). Requested items include:

•Baby wipes
•Bug spray
•Disposable razors & shaving cream
•Gold Bond foot powder
•Wisp (disposable toothbrushes)
chapstick
•Vitamin C drops
•Tan crew socks (light weight)
•Individual cans and bags of tuna
•Ramen noodles
•Gum
•Nuts
•Granola bars
"Whatever is collected will be distributed to everybody," Ruth D'Argenio said.

Ruth said she is willing to pick up items on her own, and is also accepting monetary donations for Steven's platoon. If you're interested, contact her at 201-794-9463 or ddarg90934@yahoo.com.