Nonpro t Helps Homeless Vet Purchase Li le Egg Harbor Home DEGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES

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Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Last January, Mrs. Stacia McDonough, the CEO of the award-winning nonprofit, Independence for Veterans, proposed a list of what seemed like extraordinarily ambitious goals by 2022 year’s end. One of those lofty objectives was to hand-deliver $100,000 worth of brand new clothing, groceries, toiletries, bedding, household goods, necessities, etc. to New Jersey’s transitional housing shelters for the estimated 250+ formerly homeless and disabled veterans. On December 31, 2022, the donations were tallied, and the grassroots nonprofit hand-delivered a whopping $133,627 worth of the aforementioned items to the state’s struggling veterans. For the fi rst time, Independence for Veterans was able to supply three of New Jersey’s veterans’ homeless shelters.

“The individuals in our community, the local businesses, who acted as drop off locations, and several manufacturers were exceedingly generous. My Pillow, Loftex, 4-imprint, and Starbucks contributed thousands of dollars’ worth of high-quality merchandise. I am eternally grateful to the outpouring of kindness from all, and am thrilled we were able to brighten the holidays for our veterans who have fallen on hard times,” says Stacia McDonough.

The over and above accomplishment was assisting Mr. Brandon Grochala, a disabled two-time Iraqi War veteran, purchase his very own permanent, single-family home in Little Egg Harbor. Independence for Veterans paid his mortgage down by $25,000, making it affordable for him to live there.

“This was a gift, pure and simple, with no strings attached,” says Louis Manzo, an Independence for Veterans Board of Director member. “I am proud to be a part of such an honorable and transparent nonprofit,” adds Mr. Manzo. Brandon’s living costs are now less expensive than they were where he was previously renting.

Mrs. McDonough also secured a bounteous grant from Home Depot, and they are currently renovating Brandon’s home.

Brandon Grochala says, “Independence for Veterans is the real deal. They helped me with my home, and other things in the past (a laptop computer, etc,). I personally know veterans that need serious help getting a home. I hope more people can donate to this great organization so they can help more veterans.”

For further details on how to help Independence for Veterans further assist our veterans in need, view their website: i4v. org. All donations are tax deductible.

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Our bodies are created with many different means of protecting our eyes from everyday harm. Lenses, eyelids, lashes, and tears are all very efficient at their jobs. However, those who spend a great deal of time in environments with large amounts of intense sunlight, sand, dust, and wind may find their bodies taking more extreme measures to keep their sight safe. Pterygia are growths, often triangular in shape, that originate when eyes require more protection. In most cases, growths can be stopped by limiting eyes’ exposure to irritants. Generally, pterygia are not dangerous, but in rare cases they can continue to grow across the eye, blocking sight or alter the shape of the cornea.