Hainesport Ruck for Vets

What is a Ruck March?

A ruck march fundraiser is a charity event where participants walk a set distance while carrying a weighted backpack (rucksack), often to raise money for veterans, military families, or suicide prevention. Inspired by military training, it builds camaraderie while simulating the physical load carried by service members, often symbolizing the mental weight of PTSD or honoring fallen heroes.

Why we march?

Many veterans carry invisible wounds that extend well beyond the battlefield. Personal and societal challenges greatly increase the risk of suicide. According to the Veterans Administration: "Veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than non-Veterans. In 2020, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among Veterans was 57.3% higher than the age- and sex-adjusted rate among non-Veteran U.S. adults. While the number and rate of suicide deaths increased among all Americans between 2001 and 2018, Veteran suicide deaths consistently outpace those of non-Veteran U.S. adults." We march to raise awareness of the problem, to help combat the stigma associated with asking for help, and to encourage everyone to support others who may be struggling. 

Will donations be collected?

Yes, we will collect donation items in boxes set up at the finish line and deliver them to the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia. Fill your rucksacks with donation items and deposit them in the donation boxes after crossing the finish line. Alternately, you can deposit them in the donation boxes prior to the march. (See donation info below.) Also, we provide below some links to various organizations that you can donate to online to help veterans.

Do I have to carry a weighted rucksack to join the march?

NO! Fill your rucksack with donations, carry an empty rucksack OR just come out to enjoy a brisk walk with us.

How much weight should I carry?

Again, there is no required weight to carry. Please load your rucksack only with what you are able to carry on a 3.1 mile (5 km) march.

Will I get a t-Shirt?

All finishers will receive a Hainesport Ruck for Vets finisher t-shirt!

(Updated on June 1, 2026)

We will collect donation items for the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) in Philadelphia and for the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ. The VMC provides services, programs, opportunity and advancement to veterans of the U.S. military and their families. The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland is one of several state-operated nursing homes that provides nursing care and rehabilitative services to veterans.

Suggested Physical Donation Items to Bring to the Event

Suggested donation items are listed below and on attached PDF file at the bottom of this section. Please bring new/unused items for donation. We will provide donation bins where you can deposit your donations either before or after the ruck march.

• Toiletries/Personal Care
  • Travel/convenience kits (travel-size items)
  • Body Wash (scents that can be used for men or women)
  • Pre-shave or after-shave
  • Denture adhesive and denture cleaning tablets
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Moisturizer
  • Bodywash
  • Tissues (Boxes)
  • Deodorant (universal scents for men or women)
  • Antiperspirant
  • Disposable razors
  • Feminine pads
  • Bath towels
  • Washcloths
  • Hand sanitizing wipes
  • Lip balm
• Clothing items (new unused items only)
  • Suspenders & Belts-Larger Sizes
  • Sweatshirts & Sweatpants (S-5XL)
  • Men’s undershirts (M - 2XL)
  • Men’s underwear/briefs (S – XL)
  • Women’s cotton bras (various)
  • Women’s cotton briefs (various)
  • Socks with non-slip tread on bottoms
• Disinfecting wipes (example: Clorox or Lysol wipes)
• Paper towels (example: Bounty)
• Playing cards
• Perfume

Online Donations via Amazon

There is also an Amazon Wish List that you can order from to send donation items directly to VMC:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SGS12C7OTXTP/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Monetary Donations 

Monetary donations can be made online at the VMC website by clicking on the Donate button.

(Click on the icon below to view the PDF file with suggested physical donation items.)

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Route Description

The ruck march will begin at the Hainesport Township Municipal Center gazebo. It will go through nearby Hainesport neighborhoods and end back at the gazebo. See the map below for the route. (NOTE: Route map updated on 6/1/2026.)

We are providing this list for your consideration in making donations online to organizations that make a difference for veterans. The links are provided for your information only. Hainesport Ruck for Vets is not associated with these organizations.

• Stop Soldier Suicide - The only national nonprofit focused solely on solving the issue of suicide among veterans and service members.
• Wounded Warrior Project - Provides services for mental health and physical wellness, VA benefits assistance and peer support
• The Headstrong Project - Non-profit mental health organization providing confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free PTSD treatment.
• Gary Sinese Foundation - Supports veterans, first responders, wounded heroes and their families.
• Paws of Honor - Provides high-quality veterinary care and essential products at no cost to retired military and law enforcement K-9s.
• Travis Manion Foundation - Empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
• Veterans MultiService Center - To provide services, programs, opportunity and advancement to Veterans of the U.S. military and their families.