The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition April 2020

PAGE 40 THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION APRIL/MAY 2020 HELP US HELP THEM DONATE NOW! Independence For Veterans, Inc. is a registered 501(c)-3 nonpro,t organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Dedicated volunteers hand delivering brand new winter clothing to our local veterans in need. Stacia McDonough President Independence for Veterans, Inc. Support our homeless veterans by hosting a fundraising event, or perhaps simply donate a portion of the proceeds from an existing event to our charity. Fundraising events may include: Independence For Veterans, Inc. P.O. Box 7 • Bedminster, NJ 07921 www.independenceforveterans.org 908-470-1930 stacia677@icloud.com • Golf outings • Faith based events • Summertime barbecues • Motorcycle runs • Dinner galas • Ra%es or auctions at professional organization or business events 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 volun- teering 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 collect- ed items to the veterans and their residences. The U.S. Department of Hous- ing 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 extraordi- narily brave ex-servicemen and women put their lives on the line to protect our free- doms. As Americans and human beings, for their sacri- fices it is our duty to make them a high priority, and safe- guard them now.” “For more than a decade, I witnessed firsthand the tremendous support of Stacia McDonough and the volun- teer corps she built to support our veterans in need,” said Julia Bey Ahmet, Managing Director of Jeffrey Sobel Con- sulting and former Chief Development Officer of Com- munity Hope/Hope For Veter- ans. “Each year, their holiday drive provided our homeless veterans with new coats, boots and warm winter cloth- ing. Her compassion and ded- ication 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 respon- sible for paying their utility bills and daily living expenses. For further information visit their website: www.independence forveterans.org. Anyone inter- ested in obtaining sponsorship may contact Mrs. McDonough at stacia677@icloud.com, or call 908.470.1930. Independence for Veterans P.O. Box 7 Bedminster NJ 07921 Independenceforveterans.org 908-470-1930 Veteran’s Widow Launches Nonprofit In an effort to honor her late husband, Ms. McDonough has single-handedly founded an annual Christmas event for homeless veterans, “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm.” Her compassion and dedication to our veterans is immeasurable and will drive the success of Independence for Veterans. Stacia McDonough Sergeant John E. McDonough theconnectionsnj.com