The fourth annual Livingston Coat Drive is, according to founder and coordinator Jeff "The Coat Guy" Friedman, "chugging right along." Last weekend's dip in temperature, he noted, "is a reminder of the coming winter, and the continuing need for warm coats and accessories such as gloves, hats, and scarves. Unfortunately, we have plenty of takers already!"
Recently joining the Coat Drive effort is West Orange Jewelers at 16 Eisenhower Parkway in Roseland, which will now be serving as a drop-off point. "We are happy to welcome owners Richard and Robyn Acceturo and their staff to our Coat Drive 'Dream Team,'" said Friedman. "Now there are even more convenient locations to drop your donations!"
Each year since its inception, the Coat Drive has expanded in scope. Coat Drive Dream Team member Adam Slavitt – whose dry cleaning store in Montclair serves as a drop-off point – has also collected coats in his role as president of the Livingston Football Parents' Association. At last week's Lancer home football game, Slavitt and his wife, Wendy, enlisted the team's aid in collecting coats for the cause. "They filled an entire table with great stuff," said the Coat Guy.
Friedman and new Dream Team member Candi Samansky last week delivered 173 coats, along with bags of accessories, to the IFS Independence Family Success Center in East Orange, a long-time Coat Drive distribution partner. "Working with high risk youth and families, IFS accepts all clients that meet their eligibility," explains Friedman. "No matter what their challenges or difficulties are, they work with their clients to find effective service interventions. We're happy to be able to support them in their work." The donations came from Livingston residents and donations dropped at Adam Slavitt's Village Laundry Center in Upper Montclair.
The Livingston Coat Drive has also recently joined forces with St. Philomena Church. "Sister Barbara at the St. Phil's Sharing Office runs a coat drive each year," Friedman noted. "This year, she asked to work with our Coat Drive to make sure the parishioners' donations of warm weather gear get to those who need it most! We're thrilled to add their coats to the mix for our distribution partners. The more the merrier, right?!"
He expressed his appreciation to the many generous people who have donated coats to the drive over the years. "One of the best parts about being 'The Coat Guy' are the great Livingston neighbors I meet when doing coat ...
