Livingston resident Jeff Friedman, coordinator of the annual Livingston Coat Drive, is already gearing up for the collection, which will get underway in October.
"With Labor Day behind us, folks in Livingston will be thinking about switching over to their fall wardrobes soon," said Friedman. "And while they are going through their closets, I hope they'll think about donating any unwanted winter coats or cold weather accessories they come across."
He added, "It's still summer outside, but fall is coming fast, and before we know it, it will be coat season."
The 2015-16 Coat Drive has, in fact, already welcomed its first donation; two bags containing several coats were dropped off at the Tribune office earlier this week.
In addition to putting out a "heads up" on coat donations, Friedman – known popularly as the "Coat Guy" – has also put out a call for volunteers with trucks, SUVs, and station wagons to help transport the coats.
Friedman will also be collecting men's dress clothes, such as suits, ties, and dress shirts (no casual wear) this fall. To accomplish this goal, more volunteers with vehicles and storage will be needed. "Because Livingston residents have been so generous in the past, I can already tell you we'll need storage space and big vehicles for this job," he noted. "Even if someone can't be an active volunteer, maybe they could loan us a garage stall? When I say storage, I mean very short-term – like a few days."
As in the past, coat donations may be dropped at the office of the West Essex Tribune, 495 South Livingston Avenue (next to ShopRite). If donors cannot get to the Tribune, Friedman and his "Dream Team" of volunteers can provide private pick-ups in town. Coat Drive volunteers make regular deliveries to a variety of social service agencies, who distribute coats and winter accessories to homeless and needy individuals.
"Based on last year's unprecedented donation of over 2,200 winter coats and literally hundreds and hundreds of winter accessories, I'm preparing for another banner year in 2015-16," concluded the Coat Guy. "However, I need help with both transportation and storage. If you can help us out in any way, please send me an e-mail at jftv1@verizon.net. Thanks!"
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