Midwest Veterans Closet, Where Veterans Shop For Free

NORTH CHICAGO, IL — Midwest Veterans Closet began in a small borrowed landscape trailer in Wadsworth. Donors were able to find the organization, but veterans in need couldn't necessarily make it out down its rural country farm roads with no bus service, according to Mary Carmody, executive director of of Impacting Veterans Lives, Inc., a nonprofit proving free services and assistance to those that have served.

Carmody moved the organization to its 2323 Green Bay Road, North Chicago locations to be minutes from the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Naval Station Great Lakes and donors in Lake Bluff and Lake Forest – with bus stops in front of the building that make it "much easier for our heroes to get to us and back home," she said.

Carmody described her group, where provides free shopping and services to U.S. military, as a rapid response organization that provides basic needs to U.S. military heroes, including food, clothing, household goods, educational programs and "mostly hope and dignity."

The most difficult challenge is "making sure we reach those who serve(d) us and raising enough money to keep the doors open so we can continue to serve those who serve(d) us," Carmody told Patch.

It is an "ongoing to accomplishment" to unlock the doors every day and serve those who have served, especially making sure children and families have food, clothing and shelter, along with "a table to eat from and do homework on, and sometimes an automobile for those who travel long distances and often hours to a job," Carmody said.

"Delivering groceries to disabled Veterans (DAV’s) who lack transportation and/or live in a food desert is equally an important achievement." Carmody said the group values every contribution, from a pair of socks to a check.

"Because everything is free at Midwest Veterans Closet for our military, past and present, donors are gratified to assist our brave heroes," she said. "Collaborations with generous donors enables our military assistance they often can’t believe. And, recipients sometimes offer their time as volunteers to further serve their ‘brothers and sisters.’"

More information from Midwest Veterans Closet – Impacting Veterans Lives, Inc. in North Chicago