The Livingston Philanthropies, now in its seventh season of operation, is gearing up for its upcoming coat drive while continuing its collection of toiletries and men’s dress wear.
“We continue to request warm coats, winter accessories, hotel/travel sized toiletries, new cosmetics, and men’s dress attire,” notes Philanthropies founder Jeff Friedman, known affectionately as “The Coat Guy.” He also encourages “our Livingston neighbors to join the ‘personal shopping for the homeless’ initiative. All clothing items for the family are badly needed right now. Remember, ‘if you see something, buy something.’ ”
Because of residents’ continued generosity, Livingston Philanthropies is still in need of additional volunteers for the upcoming coat drive. “New community volunteers are needed now,” says the Coat Guy. “It’s low stress and only requires an SUV or larger and one day per week for 2.5 hours. I often hear that folks want to contribute time to help society. But, they don’t know how to do it or where to go. Here’s a way to help make something important happen. Please send me an e-mail at jftv1@verizon.net if you want to know more.”
Meanwhile, the charitable organization continues to see its distribution partners grow and flourish, thanks to the generosity of Livingston’s residents.
“This week, we were grateful to be invited to the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new playground at Baby Love Christian Academy in East Orange,” says Friedman. “The new facility was donated by Kadel and Zanita Kotoku, whose child is a student there. Baby Love Academy is a daycare and community service of United Missionary Baptist Church, one of Livingston Philanthropies’ founding distribution partners. The church has been part of our operation since our first year, 2010-11. I was more than pleased to assist with the ribbon cutting ceremony and release of balloons.”
Friedman goes on to explain the church’s mission and how donations to the Livingston Philanthropies help. “The Rev. Michael L. Sykes, First Lady Zena Sykes and their church family at United Missionary Baptist Church are ‘dedicated to assisting their parishioners and the greater community around them.’ During the summer of 2016, Rev. Sykes embarked on a major preaching tour of the eastern United States to spread the word of charity and hopefulness. Last week, the Reverend returned from demonstrations for peace in South Korea near the DMZ.”
“Providing inexpensive daycare to the community is a ministry for United Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Sykes noted at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
