MARLBORO – Two businesses in Marlboro are accepting donations of clothing that will help keep veterans of the armed forces warm during the winter.
Stacia McDonough, who is a native of Freehold, created the “They Kept Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm” clothing drive in honor of her late husband, John, who was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and a veteran of the Vietnam War era.
McDonough’s campaign to assist veterans is in its fourth year of operation.
The businesses that are accepting donations on behalf of McDonough are Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro, and Salon Seraphim, 184 Route 9 north, Marlboro (for GPS purposes use 55 Willow Lane, Englishtown).
Donations of food, toiletries, blankets, new winter coats, hats, scarves, socks, slippers, earmuffs, undershirts, thermal underwear, sweaters, razors, deodorant, sun block and lip balm would be appreciated, McDonough said.
There are 96 former servicemen and servicewomen residing at the Hope For Veterans facility in Lyons, Bernards Township, Somerset County, which is part of the Community Hope organization, a nonprofit organization. Men’s clothing sizes range from large to 5XL and women’s clothing sizes range from large to 16.
McDonough said the current collection of items will run through Dec. 22. She and other volunteers will wrap the items and deliver them to the veterans on Dec. 23, two days before Christmas.
For more information about Community Hope/Hope for Veterans, visit www.communityhopenj.org or call 973-463-9600.