Coat Drive Gets Ready for Cold Weather; St. Peter's Church Thrift Shop Steps Up

Wed
11
Nov

Coat Drive Gets Ready for Cold Weather; St. Peter's Church Thrift Shop Steps Up

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The Livingston Coat Drive, founded and coordinated by Livingston resident Jeff "the Coat Guy" Friedman, is continuing its mission of "providing warmth to the poor, homeless and disenfranchised." The Coat Drive is now in its fifth year of collecting new and gently used winter coats and accessories, and has added men's business wear to its collection. These items are delivered to multiple Newark distribution partners to help clients dress appropriately for job interviews. "Although we are all enjoying the relatively temperate weather, the forecast calls for evening temperatures in the 30s," said Friedman. "Some rake leaves, others prepare their homes for winter and still others take out their winter clothes. The Livingston Coat Drive requests that our friends and neighbors be aware of excess or unneeded coats, winter accessories, and men’s business wear for donation to those who truly have nothing. Why not reallocate resources?" Livingston resident and long-time Coat Drive friend Michele Florio Campisi has continued to identify new distribution partners for the initiative. "Through her diverse community contacts, Michele has identified several immediate need situations," explained the Coat Guy. "Last year, it was Newark's Saint Paul Life Center Unified Free Will Baptist Church along with Integrity House, which provides addictions treatment and recovery support. Now, Michele brings Samaritan Outreach Services to the table with an immediate need for men’s coats and accessories." "My lifelong friend, Jeff Friedman, decided everyone should stay warm in the cold New Jersey winters," commented Florio Campisi. "What a lucky thing for me, since I know so many giving people who spend their lives taking care of those who have no one to take care of them. It seemed like a no-brainer to try and put them together." Added Friedman, "Samaritan Outreach Services (SOS) is 'a recognized 501c3 not-for-profit organization which offers extensive assistance to disadvantaged and or homeless men by providing mentoring, counseling, job training, housing and other support services which include feeding programs and clothing.'  Furthermore, it 'addresses the underlying causes of homelessness to effectively provide a lifeline that assists participants in progressing towards independent living, self-sufficiency, and transition back into the family, church, and community.' The Coat Guy and his 'Dream Team' of volunteers stand ready to meet this need – with the help of the community!" Already stepping up to help is the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Thrift store. "Last week, after reading about the Coat Drive in the Tribune, the Thrift Store, which is ...

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