Stacia McDonough has kicked off her seventh annual “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm,” new winter clothing drive to benefit the formerly homeless and disabled veterans currently residing at the Hope For Veterans transitional housing facility on the VA campus in Lyons, Somerset County, and Vet Haven North in Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County.
Items being collected are new winter hats, scarves, socks, slippers, ear muffs, robes, pajamas, undershirts (all men’s sizes: M-3XL), thermal underwear, basketball shorts, sweaters, belts, wallets, blankets, toiletries (shampoo, bar soap, baby wipes, razors, deodorant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.), according to a press release.
The residents are mostly men, however, there are currently 12 former servicewomen (sizes M-14) residing at the facilities. There are a total of about 200 former servicemen and former servicewomen residing at the two facilities, according to the press release.
In addition to clothes and toiletries, gift cards from Visa, Amazon, American Express, grocery stores, Walmart and Target are a much sought after item by the veterans.
The drive will run through Dec. 22. McDonough and a group of volunteers will deliver the items to the veterans that day, according to the press release.
McDonough has said she was inspired to start the campaign in loving memory of her late
husband, John, a decorated sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served in Vietnam. The annual collection is now officially “Dedicated in Memory of John E. McDonough,” according to the press release.
McDonough was assigned to the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, which engaged in combat at Saigon, Anloc and Nha Trang. The unit earned five Presidential Citations. On Veterans Day in 2008, in recognition of his exceptional bravery and leadership, McDonough was posthumously inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, according to the press release.
“As Americans, we must keep our veterans in the forefront. For their service, bravery and
unimaginable sacrifices, these noble warriors should be revered and never forgotten,” McDonough said. “I am looking forward to a banner year, hoping I can spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to our amazing heroes.
“It is a tremendous privilege for me to be able to conduct this annual campaign, and an
unparalleled honor to spend quality time with our veterans. It is beyond humbling just to be in their presence,” McDonough said.
The Monmouth County drop-off collection box is at Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro. For more information, contact Michael and Kathleen Robbiani at 732-462-3589.
Any individuals, businesses or organizations interested in participating with the “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm” drive may contact Stacia McDonough at
staciamcdonough@hotmail.com or Jena Rae at jenakrae@gmail.com
