Livingston Philanthropies, now in its seventh season, is requesting warm coats and winter accessories for its annual coat drive. A huge need also exists for diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, feminine hygiene pads, travel-size toiletries, and new cosmetics. “With evening temperatures dropping into the 40s, I’m reminding folks that coat weather is here right now,” notes Philanthropies founder and director Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman. “We are asking for generous donations of men’s dress attire, too.”
This past week, Friedman delivered 50 suits and sport coats, along with dress shirts and neckties, to Integrity House, Newark’s noted addiction treatment facility. The dress attire will be used by residents for job interviews.
Friedman and his team of volunteers also delivered 117 warm coats and assorted winter accessories, including hats, gloves and scarves, to founding distribution partner, North Reformed Church in Newark. This helps to stock the church’s ever-growing “Clothes Barn” operation, which offers free family shopping for those in need.
Coat deliveries, as of October 31, stand at 305, compared to 208 this time last season. “This is a positive start to season seven,” says the Coat Guy. “I know that Livingston residents will keep them coming.”
How to Help Now
There are a number of ways residents and local organizations can help the homeless through Livingston Philanthropies, says Friedman. “Public and private schools are encouraged to hold their own coat and travel/hotel sized toiletries drives on our behalf for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised. Hillside Elementary School is already on-board.”
Livingston’s civic organizations, as several have done in the past, can conduct drives of their own for Livingston Philanthropies. Livingston Kiwanis, says Friedman, will be the first of these. “The Club will present a coat donation when I speak at their Hanover Manor event later this month.”
Religious organizations of all types can do the same, Friedman continues, collecting from their congregants or members. “Pick-up or delivery in Livingston is easy,” he notes. “Temple Beth Shalom is already active on our behalf, dropping a stack of gently used and new coats to ‘Coat Drive Central’ on Sunday.”
Local merchants, wholesalers, distributors, and others can donate older, discontinued and unwanted stock of clothing for the entire family, toiletries, shoes and additional items. “Convenient pick-up is offered to help those who literally have nothing and need everything.”
Likewise, dentists may have extra or older dental supplies, including brushes, toothpaste and mouthwash that they can donate. “We’ve gotten them in ...
