The Livingston Coat Drive has begun a new initiative in keeping with its mission of "providing warmth to the poor, homeless and disenfranchised." Explained Jeff Friedman, the Coat Drive's founder and coordinator, "It's all about evolution for the Coat Drive. Similar to the developmental stages of most outreach projects, our local coat drive continues to grow and expand in ways never visualized. I'm more than pleased to report that a new trend has emerged across Livingston in recent weeks. I'm labeling this new trend 'Personal Shopping for the Homeless.' "
Recently, five or six bags of brand new coats and accessories, along with new blankets arrived at the West Essex Tribune, which serves as a drop-off point for the Coat Drive. "A generous woman, who wanted to get involved, hands-on, went out and personally 'shopped for the homeless' at after-holiday sales to achieve the best value for dollars spent," noted Friedman, known affectionately as "the Coat Guy." These items were almost immediately distributed by Coat Drive volunteers to homeless men at Newark's Penn Station. "This gesture by our anonymous donor benefited at least 15 homeless men on the streets," he noted.
A few days later, Friedman recounted, "I had a long phone conversation with another benevolent soul. She had read the Coat Drive headline in last week’s Tribune, which announced our current special men's outreach. 'I read today's article in the West Essex Tribune," she told me, 'And I instantly knew today would be the day – the day I go right to the stores to buy just as much as I can for the poor and homeless. I want to be involved.' She immediately went out and purchased heavy winter coats in large sizes, along with heavy, hooded sweatshirts and other winter accessories. These items, too, were delivered to those who need them the most, and just in time for current cold snap."
Based on this very recent development, the Coat Guy has announced that a new "Personal Shopping for the Homeless" initiative is open and he is reaching out for participation. "As the Livingston Coat Drive is not yet a 501c3 non-profit, we cannot accept monetary donations," he explained. "However, warm winter coats, gloves, scarves and hats for the entire family are badly needed, right now, especially men's coats in large and extra-large sizes. So we invite our generous and creative residents, if they are so inclined, to have some fun and ...
