MHA Monmouth Completes Third Annual Layers of Wellness Clothing Drive

The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County successfully concluded its third annual Layers of Wellness clothing drive, collecting over 750 articles of winter clothing to support local veterans in need. The drive, which ran from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, benefited Soldier On, a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness.

With the support of individual contributors, families, and community organizations, 91 bags of hats, socks, gloves, scarves, pajamas, blankets, boots, and coats were donated, along with mental health and wellness resources to ensure a holistic approach to veteran support.

“Community efforts, such as Layers of Wellness, demonstrate the power of collective compassion,” said Marie Argibay-Boccasino, Information & Referral at MHA Monmouth, who facilitated the drive. “By offering both warmth and mental health resources, we acknowledge that wellness extends beyond physical needs–it’s about dignity, stability, and care for the whole person. Our mission is to foster mental well-being in all aspects of life, and this initiative is one way we put that mission into action.”

Special thanks to 4imprint whose one by one® Grant allowed MHA Monmouth to distribute the donated items in tote bags, New Jersey Natural Gas for contributing 250 items to the drive, as well as the following community organizations and individuals:

• Family & Children’s Service

• James J. Howard VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (Brick CBOC)

• Girl Scout Troop #816

• Waters & Sims Employment Services

• Ladies Auxiliary / VFW Post 222-6

• RWJ Barnabas Health

• Jake Palmer, Christian Brothers Academy

  
  

The collected items were delivered to Soldier On’s facility at 275 Essex Rd, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07753, where they directly benefited veterans in need–including 17 individuals experiencing homelessness.