Stockings for a Cause to Make Spirits Bright for a Warrior Widow

By Katie McFadden

‘Tis the season to hang the stockings in local bars and restaurants with care. And this year, that care will be for a widow of a U.S. Navy Reserve Commander who lost his life due to burn pit-related cancer, as she now raises three children alone, including a daughter battling leukemia. Working with the Gary Sinise Foundation, this year’s Stockings for a Cause will aim to help make Christmas a little brighter for Stephanie McCormick and her family.

Earlier this year, the peninsula was graced with the presence of actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise, who played with his band at Breezy Point as part of Rockaway Warriors Weekend in July. Now, this holiday season, Eugene Brennan, who launched Stockings for a Cause 15 years ago at Park Avenue Tavern in Manhattan, an effort that has since spread locally and all across the state, is paying it forward to the Gary Sinise Foundation. While Brennan usually works with Tunnel to Towers to help build wounded veterans’ homes, the Gary Sinise Foundation pointed Brennan in the direction of someone just as deserving, who was left to pick up the pieces after her servicemember husband died in July 2022.

About a year before, McCormick’s mother died of complications from Covid, just after her husband was diagnosed with sarcoma, related to operating around burn pits during his service. Robert McCormick underwent several surgeries and treatments, in between continuing to serve with the U.S. Navy Reserve, but after they were unsuccessful, he decided to enjoy what time he had left with his family before passing away. Robert McCormick left behind his wife, Stephanie, and three children, Brennan, now 20, Mackenzie, now 18 and Kayleigh, now 15. Stephanie was tasked with moving forward for her kids after losing her own mother and husband, when the family’s battle became even more challenging when just two years later, their youngest, Kayleigh, was diagnosed with leukemia on April 1, 2024.

In addition to the emotional toll the illnesses and deaths have taken on the McCormick family, Stephanie has been faced with financial hardship as until a little more than a year ago, the government and VA didn’t recognize cancer from burn pits as a line of duty death, leaving Stephanie, a school teacher in Georgia, to support her two older children through college, and medical bills for her youngest, all on her own.

Upon hearing her story, Brennan reached out to Stephanie, who through tears, shared more of her story, and gratitude for the offer of some help. “She was crying and saying ‘I was losing my faith and, sure enough, a phone call like this came. God works in mysterious ways.’ There was a reason we got lined up together this year,” Brennan said. “We’re going to do all we can to help this woman in her desperate time of need, to help her make ends meet and keep her head and family afloat right now, and hopefully this will be the biggest year yet.”

As a community that has had several neighbors battle cancer, including children with leukemia, and has had its share of widows of first responder heroes who died in the line of duty, McCormick’s story is one that can resonate with many on the peninsula. “Rob seemed like a wonderful man and looks like a guy that would blend in here in Rockaway in a heartbeat. It’s a story I felt was something this community can rally behind and show this poor woman how amazing Rockaway’s faith and patriotism is, in their desperate time of need. She has medical costs and college expenses and she’s trying to shop for a car as the one she has is run down, so anything we can help with, we’re going to do, and we’re going to try to fly the whole family up here for the Graybeards dinner in February and give them a heartfelt Rockaway welcome along with a check,” Brennan said.

But he needs the community to come out strong to make that check the biggest yet through Stockings for a Cause. From now through January 1, stop by any participating restaurant and bar, speak to the staff about Stockings for a Cause and donate $25 or more for a stocking with your name to be hung in the establishment. This year’s local businesses include Adrienne’s, Belle Harbor Yacht Club, Bungalow Bar, Happy Jack’s, Harbor Light, Healy’s, Jamesons, Kennedy’s, Knights of Columbus, La Sorrentina, Margie’s, Pico, The Sugarbowl, The Wharf and newcomer, The Blarney 2.0. At the Shilelagh Law performance on Saturday, December 20 at 6 p.m., guests will also be able to purchase Santa hats to help support the cause.

Additionally, the youth and local schools are once again doing their part. Students and staff at St. Francis de Sales are decking their halls with stockings, with each class participating and an extra boost from parents contributing while picking up report cards. P.S. 114 is also participating. As a father himself, Brennan appreciates the efforts put in by the local youth. “This is such a patriotic neighborhood, and these kids really lead with their heart and to have that impact on them is a beautiful thing to see,” Brennan said.

And on December 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be another chance for all youth to participate with a Stockings for a Cause and Santa Clause event for kids at Jamesons. For a donation, parents can bring their kids to enjoy food, face painting, making a stocking craft to decorate trees, and of course, photos with Santa. “Please come in and make a donation, while the kids can have some fun while learning about Stephanie, and Rob’s contributions to this country. Have a drink and enjoy a joyous Saturday morning as we try to help the McCormick family have a wonderful Christmas,” Brennan said.

In addition to purchasing stockings at establishments, there is also a GoFundMe, which people can donate to directly, which can be accessed by scanning the QR code in the flyer. For more information and to donate, see: www.stockingsforacause.com