The Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago, Illinois is a key community resource for local veterans, reported the Chicago Tribune. The organization provides free clothing, food and household items to servicemembers in need. It also helps struggling veterans access federal and state services.
Mary Carmody started the Midwest Veterans Closet in 2014, reported the Daily Herald.
"This has never been my lifelong dream, but it's what I can do to give back after they've given so much to so many," she told the newspaper. "We're able to sit here peacefully and not worry of being hurt because of them."
At first, Carmody ran the organization out of a small trailer in Wadsworth, Illinois. Then, in September 2014, she moved the organization into its current location where it serves an estimated 350 veterans each month. Local partners bus servicemembers to the location once a week.
Dr. Stephen Holt, director of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, is one of those partners.
"Mary and her fantastic staff have been helping the veterans in our residential treatment programs get back on their feet by offering clothes, household goods and more," he told the Chicago Tribune. "I have always believed it takes a community to help serve our veterans and we are happy that Mary and the MVC are providing our veterans tremendous support."
Veterans who frequent the Midwest Veterans Closet also appreciate Carmody's commitment to serving local servicemembers.
Gary Spicer, a U.S. Army veteran, looked to the organization for help after he lost his job and attempted suicide. Through the Midwest Veterans Closet, Spicer entered a recovery program at the Lovell Health Care Center. Now, he has his own apartment in Waukegan, Illinois that is filled with furniture from Carmody's organization.
"I'm so grateful," Spicer said in an interview with the Daily Herald. "I probably would have nothing in my apartment. I'd have an empty apartment, but she kept calling me saying I've got something for you."
Unfortunately, the Midwest Veterans Closet is at risk of losing its place in the community. According to the Lake County News-Sun, the organization needs $700,000 to maintain its current location.
"We're serving 300 to 350 veterans a month," Carmody said in an interview with the newspaper. "It would be a pity to have it close."