Stacia McDonough, the widow of decorated Vietnam Veteran, Sergeant John E. McDonough, has launched, “Independence for Veterans, Inc.,” a registered 501c-3 nonprofit organization. Mrs. McDonough has been volunteering with New Jersey’s homeless veterans for the past 14 years. In an effort to honor her late husband, she recently and single-handedly founded their annual Christmas event, “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm.” Through this event, she collects new winter clothing, toiletries, and other necessities that benefit the homeless Veterans who reside at two of the local transitional housing facilities. This unique drive hand delivers all collected items to the veterans and their residences. 
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that there are over 40,000 homeless veterans in America. “These statistics are immensely disturbing,” says Mrs. McDonough. “This dilemma
must be addressed and solved. These extraordinarily brave ex-servicemen and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. As Americans and human beings, for their sacrifices, it is our duty to make them a high priority, and safeguard them now.”
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“For more than a decade, I witnessed firsthand the tremendous support of Stacia McDonough and the volunteer corps she built to support our veterans in need,” said Julia Bey Ahmet, Managing Director of Jeffrey Sobel Consulting and former Chief Development Officer of Community Hope/Hope For Veterans. “Each year, their holiday drive provided our homeless veterans with new coats, boots, and warm winter clothing. Her compassion and dedication to our veterans is immeasurable and will drive the success of Independence for Veterans.”
Independence for Veterans will continue this new clothing drive on an annual basis. In addition, they have begun fundraising endeavors so they can construct tiny houses for veterans who have fallen on hard times. The homes will be gifted to each veteran, although they will be responsible for paying their utility bills and daily living expenses.
For further information visit their website: http://www.independenceforveterans.org.
Anyone interested in obtaining sponsorship may contact Mrs. McDonough at stacia677@icloud.com, or call 908.470.1930.
Independence for Veterans
PO Box 7, Bedminster NJ 07921
http://www.independenceforveterans.org.