Stacia McDonough has kicked off her fourth annual, “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm,” new winter clothing drive to benefit the formerly homeless, and disabled veterans currently housed at Community Hope’s “Hope for Veterans” VA campus in lyons, New Jersey.
The drop off collection boxes are located at:
1) The Salon Studio, 27 Mine Mount Road (Second Floor), Bernardsville, NJ 07942 (Contact: Kate Phan) *Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 732.306.3846.
2) Investor’s Savings Bank, 315 Route #202/ 206, Pluckemin, NJ 07978 (Contact: Antonella Celli, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager). PH: 908.719.6750.
3) Coldwell Banker Realty, 1 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (Contact: Theresa Filippone). PH: 908.766.8354 or 908.766.0808.
4) The Stirling Elks Lodge, 1138 Valley Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 (Contact: Kelly Mazzochi) *Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 908.672.2079.
5) Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro, NJ 07746 (Contact: Michael and Kathleen Robbiani)
*Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 732.462.3589.
6) Salon Seraphim, 55 Willow Lane, 184 Route #9 North, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Contact: Jennifer Oakley or Michelle
Whinni) PH: 732.972.5177.
Items being collected are brand new winter coats, hats, scarves, socks, slippers, ear muffs, undershirts (All men’s sizes: L-5XL), thermal underwear, sweaters, blankets, toi- letries (shampoo, bar soap, razors, deodorant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.). In addition, a
food drive is also included to help stock the food pantry located on the premises.
The residents are mostly men, however, there are currently 7 ex-servicewomen (sizes L-16) residing at one of the facilities. There are a total of 167 ex-servicemen and women residing at the 2 “Hope For Veterans” facilities.
Mrs. McDonough, along with several dedicated volunteers will personally hand-deliver the gift-wrapped items to each veteran on Christmas Eve morn.
Mrs. McDonough was inspired to start this innovative campaign in loving memory of her late husband, a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served “In Country” during the
Vietnam war.
“As Americans, we must keep our brave veter-
ans in the forefront. For their service, bravery, and sacrifice these extraordinary souls should be revered, and never forgotten,” says Mrs. McDonough. She is thrilled by the tremendous success of her previous campaigns. “I’m looking forward to a banner year, hoping I can spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to our amazing heroes,” she adds.
Mrs. McDonough is the CEO of the multi- award winning company, Neva Dolls®, an award-winning journalist, and has also authored several children’s books, including the best-selling fairy tale, paper doll book, “The Sad Little Princess,” which is now available for purchase at Amazon.com.
Unfortunately, the majority of our country’s homeless population is comprised of former servicemen and women. “Hope For Veter- ans®” is a New Jersey based 501c-3 non-prof- it organization which provides housing and other necessities for veterans who have fallen on hard times. For further information visit their website at: www.communityhope-nj.org or call 973.463.9600.
“It is a tremendous privilege for me to be able to conduct this annual campaign, and an honor to spend Christmas Eve with our remarkable veterans. It’s truly 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.