A new and immediate need has been brought to the attention of Jeff "The Coat Guy" Friedman, founder and coordinator of the Livingston Coat Drive. Samaritan Outreach Services (SOS), a recognized 501c3 charity, needs 150 men’s coats for distribution to the homeless on Tuesday evening, November 24. SOS, along with its many other philanthropic endeavors, operates a facility on Springfield Avenue in Newark that provides food and clothing to the homeless and poor. Its November 24 community coat distribution will occur at that location. "This is an immediate need," notes Friedman. "SOS needs these coats by Tuesday – just five days away!"
He continues, "The bottom line is, SOS is counting on the Livingston Coat Drive to make this happen. I am therefore challenging our generous Livingston neighbors – 150 men's coats in five days! And accessories, too. They are in desperate need, and winter is coming up fast. Can you imagine trying to get through a winter like the one we had last year without a warm coat?"
SOS, he explains, will send a truck to Coat Drive Central (also known as the Coat Guy's garage!) this Monday, November 23, at the end of day to pick up Livingston’s contribution.
"Naturally, we will continue to collect coats for the entire family as well as men’s businesswear during this very special, five-day challenge to help the homeless," Friedman adds. "But the men's coats are especially needed now! I know that Livingston will step up as we approach Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. My thanks to long-time friend and Livingston resident, Michele Florio Campisi, for making this connection."
In addition, the Coat Guy says, "I would to thank those who have already donated, and especially our coat drive volunteers, Candi Samansky, Joyce Friedman, Bob Gebroe, Laura Sheppard, and Debbi Riccardello. And, of course, my partner and friends at the West Essex Tribune and our collection colleagues at West Orange Jewelers in Roseland."
Convenient drop-off for this year's Livingston Coat Drive is once again the offices of coat drive partner the West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, next to the ShopRite supermarket. An alternate drop-off is West Orange Jewelers, located at 16 Eisenhower Parkway in Roseland. 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.
In addition to coats, this year, the Livingston Coat Drive is accepting new and gently used men's dress clothes ...
