The Livingston Coat Drive has been extended into March to continue providing assistance as the freezing weather continues, announced founder and coordinator Jeff Friedman. Friedman, known affectionately as the “Coat Guy,” noted, “It’s not too late to donate gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves to the needy. In fact, it’s never too late to help those who are far beyond ‘less fortunate!’ ”
This week’s delivery of 73 warm coats to the Bethany Baptist Church Food Pantry/Clothes Closet in Newark included the 2,000th coat collected. “This brings this season’s total to 2,032,” said Friedman. “Bethany was also the recipient of multiple bags of winter boots and other winter accessories that are so badly needed, especially this winter – although the compelling need exists every winter.”
The Bethany Food Pantry/Clothes Closet, according to the mission on its website, “is a non-profit ministry of Bethany Baptist Church. Although this program is church- and faith-based, religion is not a criterion to receive services. All are welcome. It is our mission to provide – free of cost – emergency food and clothing to all of those in need that come to our doors. There is no need to call in advance!”
This mission, notes Friedman, “dovetails perfectly with the Livingston Coat Drive’s own goal of ‘providing warmth to the poor, homeless, and disenfranchised.’ It was fitting that the assortment of winter coats delivered to Bethany Baptist Church, containing the 2,000th, came from the combined philanthropic efforts of all involved in the Coat Drive, including the West Essex Tribune, Village Laundry Center, Chico’s at the Short Hills Mall, West Orange Jewelers, and, of course, all of our generous donors. Our Dream Team of volunteers was busy making it all happen, with Candi Samansky coordinating with Chico’s; Joyce Friedman picking-up from Wendy and Adam Slavitt at the Village Laundry Center; and Bob Gebroe assisting with private pick-ups in Livingston. Perhaps it doesn’t take a village, but it does take a community. Thank you all!”
In conclusion, the Coat Guy said, “The late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead articulated it succinctly when he said, 'If we had any nerve at all, or whatever quality you need – real character – we would make an effort to really address the wrongs in this society, righteously.’ Well, I know a whole town with a lot of ‘real character’ – Livingston!”
The Coat Drive will continue operating on a week-to-week basis, contingent on the weather.
