The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Dec 2018/Jan 2019

Holiday Cheer www.theconnectionsnj.com ltreich@baskingridgecc.com • www.baskingridgecc.com St acia McDonough has kicked off her 7th 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, New Jersey, and Vet Haven North in Glen Gardner, New Jersey. The drop off collection boxes are located at the following businesses: 1. Investor’s Bank, 315 Route #202/206, Pluckemin, NJ, 07978 (Contact: Antonella Celli, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager). PH: 908.719.6750. 2. Bedminster Township Municipal Building, One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ, 07921 (Contact: Robin A. Ray) PH: 908.212.7014. 3. Peapack-Gladstone Bank, 26 Dumont Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931 PH: 908.781.2708. 4. Peapack-Gladstone Bank, 468 Route 202/ 206 North, Bedminster, NJ 07921 (Kings Shopping Center). PH: 908.658.4501. 5. Peapack-Gladstone Bank, 17 E. Main Street, Mendham, NJ 07945. (Contact: Mike Caruso, Manager). PH: 973.543.9730. 6. Grace Chapel of Bedminster, 375 Main Street, Bedminster, NJ 07921. (Contact: Tracy M. Otalora, Office Manager). PH: 908.719.1093. 7. Valley Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921 (Contact: Janet Cammarata) 908.658.4900. *Toiletries only. 8. Coldwell Banker Realty, 1 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920 (Contact: Theresa Filippone). PH: 908.766.8354, or 908.766.0808. 9. Weichert Realtors, 22 Henry Street, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920 (Contact: Carol Conway) PH: 908.334.1986. 10. Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro, NJ, 07746 (Contact: Michael and Kathleen Robbiani) PH: 732.462.3589. 11. The Waiting Room Restaurant 66 East Cherry Street, Rahway, NJ, 07065 (Contact: Donna Wenson) PH: 732.382.0900. Items being collected are BRAND NEW winter hats, scarves, socks, slippers, ear muffs, robes, pajamas, undershirts (All men’s sizes: M-3XL), thermal underwear, sweaters, belts, wallets, blan- kets, toiletries (shampoo, bar soap, baby wipes, razors, deodorant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.). The residents are mostly men, however, there are currently 10 ex-servicewomen (sizes M-14) residing at the facilities. There are a combined total of approximately 200 ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen resid- ing at the 2 facilities. In addition, gift cards from Visa, Amazon, Amer- ican Express, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Target are a much sought after item by the veterans. The drive will run from November 11th, Veteran’s Day, through December 22nd. Mrs. McDonough, along with several dedicated vol- unteers will personally hand-deliver to each veteran on December 22nd. Mrs. McDonough was inspired to start this innovative campaign in loving memory of her late husband, John, a 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.” “As Americans, we must keep our brave veter- ans in the forefront. For their service, bravery, and unimaginable sacrifices these noble war- riors 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. Unfortunately, the majority of our country's homeless population is comprised of former servicemen and women. “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’s beyond humbling just to be in their presence,” says Mrs. McDonough. Any individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in participating with “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm” drive, can contact Mrs. Stacia McDonough via e-mail at: staciamcdonough@hotmail.com, or Mrs. Jena Rae at jenakrae@gmail.com. VETERANS’ WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE INSPIRED BY LATE VIETNAM VETERAN Stacia McDonough Sgt. John McDonough PAGE 18