The Livingston Coat Drive is "chugging along well," according to its organizer, Jeff "The Coat Guy" Friedman. "We have an immediate need for warm coats and winter accessories, as always," he notes. "We've been doing well so far, but it is only October, and we have a long way to go before coat season is over."
Meanwhile, two Livingston churches have stepped up to help the cause. "Lourdes Aboud and Pat McChesney, co-managers of St. Peter’s Thrift Shop at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, reached out this week," said Friedman. "They will donate coats and accessories. And, to my surprise, two badly needed coat racks. Badly needed – because I don't have any! Thanks, ladies!"
In addition, Sister Barbara of the St. Philomena Church Sharing Office has also been in touch with the Coat Guy. "St. Phil's is once again promoting the Coat Drive in its newsletters, advising parishioners to drop gently used and new winter coats at the offices our of partner, the West Essex Tribune, on South Livingston Avenue," said Friedman. "This is the third year St. Phil's has acted on behalf of our drive, and again, we thank them!"
Collecting Coats at Game
The first of two Livingston Football Parents' Association (LFPA) coat collections will occur this Friday evening, October 16, at the home varsity Lancer football game. "This is also their third year of participation on behalf of our drive," said Friedman. "Formerly organized by Livingston residents Adam and Wendy Slavitt, the LFPA drive on behalf of the Livingston Coat Drive, is now under the leadership of Livingston resident Jennifer Weiss. Simply stop at the game with coats and accessories to donate."
Reflecting on the mission of the Livingston Coat Drive, Friedman notes, "I trust that many have not forgotten the important words of Pope Francis during his visit to the United States. The Pope called upon all of us to help the poorest of the poor, who are marginalized from our society. His timely call to action crosses over religious lines and boundaries. 'The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor,' he said. 'It bids us to break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give rise to glaring, and indeed, scandalous social inequalities. Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart.'
"Taking the liberty to paraphrase, the Pope was ...
