SAINT BARNABAS STEPS UP FOR THE HOMELESS: The Saint Barnabas Medical Center Standards Committee, headed by director of Human Services Carol Haynes and nurse manager Fran Bianchi, worked to collect winter accessories for the homeless. Livingston Coat Drive founder and director Jeff Friedman, known as “the Coat Guy,” recently met with committee members at the medical center to speak about the Coat Drive and volunteerism. After his talk,they presented him with four large boxes of handmade and new winter items, many for children, carefully sorted and all individually bagged. “At first, I thought I was at the Short Hills Mall,” commented Friedman. The donations were given to Saint John’s Parish and Pantry/Soup Kitchen in Newark the same day. “Saint John’s serves breakfast and hot lunch to hundreds, from Tuesday through Saturday,” explained Friedman. “That’s hundreds per day! Director Barbara Maran also provides a multitude of other services to the poor, homeless and disenfranchised. From there, the beautifully packaged items from Saint Barnabas, included in gift baskets for the homeless, will be distributed both individually and included in gift baskets for the homeless.” The Coat Drive will conclude Friday, March 11.Donations may be dropped locally at the West Essex Tribune office, 495 South Livingston Avenue. For private pick-up in Livingston, e-mail Jeff Friedman at jftv1@verizon.net.
...
