Bedminster Veteran's Widow Hosts Winter Clothing Drive

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Bedminster veteran's widow, Stacia McDonough, is hosting her sixth 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.

McDonough was inspired to start this 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 veterans in the forefront. For their service, bravery and unimaginable sacrifices these noble warriors should be revered, and never forgotten,” says McDonough.

“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,” added McDonough.

The drop off collection boxes are located at the following businesses:

1. Peapack-Gladstone Bank, 26 Dumont Road, Far Hills (Contact: Michael Caruso) 908-781-2708.
2. Valley Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Road, Bedminster (Contact: Janet Cammarata) 908-658-4900.
3. Investor’s Bank, 315 Route #202/206, Pluckemin (Contact: Antonella Celli, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager). 908-719-6750.
4. Coldwell Banker Realty, 1 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge (Contact: Theresa Filippone). 908-766-8354, or 908-766-0808.
5. Weichert Realtors, 22 Henry Street, Basking Ridge (Contact: Carol Conway) 908-334-1986.
6. The Stirling Elks Lodge, 1138 Valley Road, Stirling (Contact: Kelly Mazzochi) 908-672-2079. (Non-perishable food also being collected at this location)
7. Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro (Contact: Michael and Kathleen Robbiani) 732-462-3589.
8. Salon Seraphim, 55 Willow Lane, 184 Route #9 North, Englishtown (Contact: Courtney Torok or MichelleWhinna) 732-972-5177.
9. The Waiting Room Restaurant 66 East Cherry Street, Rahway (Contact: Donna Wenson) 732-382-0900.
10. Bedminster Township Municipal Building, One Miller Lane Bedminster (Contact: Robin A. Ray, Recreation Director) 908-212-7014.

Items being collected are brand new winter coats, hats, scarves, socks, slippers, ear muffs, robes, pajamas, undershirts (all men’s sizes: L-4XL), thermal underwear, sweaters, blankets, toiletries (shampoo, bar soap, razors, deodorant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.).

The residents are mostly men, however, there are currently six ex-servicewomen (sizes XL-14) residing at one of the facilities. There are approximately 95 ex-servicemen and women residing at the facility.

In addition, gift cards from Visa, American Express, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Target are a much sought after item by the veterans.

The drive will run through Dec. 22. McDonough, along with several dedicated volunteers will personally hand-deliver the gift-wrapped items to each veteran on Dec. 22.

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 said.

Any individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in participating with “They Kept Us Safe, Let's Keep Them Warm” drive, can contact Stacia McDonough via e-mail at: staciamcdonough@hotmail.com, or Jena Rae at jenakrae@gmail.com.

(Images via Stacia McDonough: Stacia McDonough and her husband John.)

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