At press time, more than 1,800 coats – 1,801 to be exact – along with hundreds of scarves, hats, gloves and other cold weather accessories, had been distributed to homeless and needy individuals by the Livingston Coat Drive.
Noted Coat Drive founder and organizer Jeff Friedman of Livingston, "We need another 200 warm coats to meet our goal of 2,000 for the season. I'm hoping our generous Livingston residents will come through for those less fortunate."
Friedman, who is popularly known as the "Coat Guy," and his "Dream Team" of dedicated volunteers, are busy preparing for their next delivery with pick-ups from the Drive's primary collection partners, the West Essex Tribune, Village Laundry Center in Upper Montclair, and West Orange Jewelers in Roseland.
"Just look at the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures we've been having this week," said Friedman. "The truth is, men’s, women’s and children’s winter coats, along with gloves, scarves and hats, are needed right now – more than ever before."
The Coat Guy has noted that in addition to the Coat Drive's drop-off points, "I also continue to do private pick-ups in Livingston, while my sister-in-law, Joyce, is able to pick up coats in Montclair."
The Coat Guy has planned to continue the Coat Drive at least through the end of February. "Folks are freezing, just minutes away," he explained. "The Livingston Coat Drive has learned about the abundance that exists in our suburban communities. I’m asking – even imploring – our Livingston friends and neighbors to join those who have already been so wonderfully generous and giving. Let’s transfer some of the abundance that many of us enjoy to those who are suffering. It’s a simple concept – and it works."
He closed by noting that, "As a civilized society, I believe we have an obligation to help those who are in need. As Maharishi Mahesh Yogi once said, 'Responsibility can never be given. It can only be taken.' Something to think about when we're sitting out the latest snowstorm in our nice, warm homes."
Coats may be dropped off at the offices of the West Essex Tribune at 495 South Livingston Avenue (next to ShopRite); West Orange Jewelers, 16 Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland; and the Village Laundry Center at 213 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair. For private pick-up in Livingston, e-mail Jeff Friedman at jftv1@verizon.net; and in Montclair, e-mail Joyce Friedman at aquinnah98@aol.com.
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