A group of Fathom Realty agents and family members, led by Fathom’s Fayetteville, NC, District Director Lewis Dove, have generously donated their time, talent, and treasure to the most vulnerable members of their community.

The group has recently helped deliver food for the Manna Dream Center’s “Backpack Buddies” program over the summer. Children enrolled in the program receive non-perishable food items such as fruit cups, granola bars, cereal, and canned meals. Personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap may also be included. 

The Manna Dream Center is a Fayetteville and Fort Bragg region outreach ministry. The Dream Center aims to assist people with their physical and spiritual needs with no strings attached.

The Fayetteville Dream Center is one of many centers around the country that supports those affected by homelessness, hunger, addiction, and a lack of educational opportunities. All programs are free.

Dove’s group made its first deliveries on July 15th and will continue through August 27th when school resumes.

Those who helped are Trevore Ferguson and grandson; Katrina Harvey and son;  Aileen Rogers, Sigrid Kolb, Chloe Thaler, and family; Mayra Perry, Camryn Boland, Patty Settle, Melissa Lawrence, and Liza Ratley.

Dove said his team of helpers’ enthusiasm was overwhelming.  “The willingness of our agents to quickly answer the call to help brings tears to my eyes. The gratitude we are shown from the people who receive the food is a blessing to us all.” 

This wasn’t the first time agents answered the call to help at Manna. During the winter of 2021, Fathom agents raised money to purchase more than 80 coats and 50-plus pairs of gloves for community members. Agents who helped were David Blackwell, Sarah Solaita, and Katrina Harvey.

In the summer and fall of 2021, Dove led a major effort to raise more than $35,000 to purchase a mobile shower trailer for the center. The donors were all real estate partners. Sarah Solaita was a notable contributor.

The shower trailer is used every Tuesday and Thursday for people who need hot showers and restroom facilities. “This trailer is amazing,” Dove said. “It is completely mobile so that we can move in the event of any need that arises, such as a natural disaster,” he said.