Veteran’s Nonprofit Kicks Off “Christmas in July”

BEDMINSTER, NJ –  To celebrate our noble veterans this summer, Stacia McDonough, and her award-winning 501c-3 nonprofit, “Independence For Veterans,” has kicked off their very first, “Christmas in July,” collection. The drive is to benefit the formerly homeless and disabled veterans currently residing at the transitional housing facilities in New Jersey.

Items being collected are toiletries (shampoo, body wash, baby wipes, razors, deodorant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.), brand new underwear, undershirts, socks, summer clothing, (All men’s sizes: M-3XL), basketball shorts, wallets, and blankets. In addition, gift cards from Visa, Amazon, grocery stores,  Wal-Mart, Target are a much sought after item by the veterans.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

All items collected are hand-delivered directly to the shelters by Mrs. McDonough and her team of tireless, dedicated volunteers.

The residents are mostly men (all sizes). However, there are approximately 20 ex-servicewomen (sizes M-14) residing at the facilities.

There are a combined total of approximately 275+ ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen residing at the four complexes.

The drive will run now through August 5, 2024.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Since January 1, 2024, Independence for Veterans has successfully hand-delivered $499,000 worth of brand-new clothing, laptops, groceries, toiletries, bedding, necessities, etc. to veterans shelters throughout NJ and PA.

Mrs. McDonough was inspired to start this innovative campaign in loving memory of her late husband, John, a highly decorated Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served “In Country” during the Vietnam War. The annual collection is now officially “Dedicated in Memory of John E. McDonough.”

Sergeant John E. McDonough was assigned to the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron. The 21st TASS engaged in frequent critical combats in Vietnam’s hot zones: Saigon, Anloc, and Nha Trang. This dynamic unit went on to earn five Presidential Citations.

On a cold Veterans Day in 2008, for his exceptional bravery and extraordinary leadership, Sergeant John E. McDonough was posthumously inducted to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, N.J.

“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,” says Mrs. McDonough. She is thrilled by the tremendous success of her previous campaigns. “I am looking forward to a banner year, hoping I can spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to our amazing heroes,” she adds.

On any given night an estimated 40,000 veterans are sleeping on the streets.

“It is a tremendous privilege for me to be able to conduct this 10th annual campaign, and an unparalleled honor to spend quality time with our veterans. It’s beyond humbling just to be in their presence,” says Mrs. McDonough.

The drop-off collection boxes are located at the following N.J. businesses:

1. Citizens Bank, 315 Route 202/206 South, Pluckemin. Contact: Nayera Ibrahim (908) 719-6750.

2. Kearny Bank, at Riverwalk Village, 675 Martinsville Road, Basking Ridge. Contact: Maureen Burke (908) 647-6731.

3. Kearny Bank, 122 Morristown Road, Bernardsville. Contact: Antie Celli (908) 458-4045.

If you’re interested in a sponsorship or partnership or for further information on the registered 501c-3 Independence for Veterans, kindly visit the website:

www.independenceforveterans.org or www.i4v.org . All monetary donations are tax-deductible.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net