By Jeff Friedman
Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of the Livingston Philanthropies, this week personally reflects on the generosity of Livingston residents in supporting his organization’s annual coat drive and year ‘round toiletries collection for the homeless.
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Livingston Philanthropies is all about the spirit of Livingston residents. It’s about the spirit of giving, of empathizing with communities unknown to many of us. It’s about the spirit of being aware, present, and real to oneself. Livingston donations keep us strong.
Now in our seventh year of operation, new “stock” is arriving at Philanthropies partner, the West Essex Tribune, at a record rate. I seem to receive urgent emails from Tribune managing editor Chrissy Sablynski or publisher, Jenny Chciuk, every other day. The subject is generally a version of, “We’re drowning here – come make a pick-up!” Once again, let’s take it back to the spirit of our generous and introspective neighbors. You know who they are; the folks we wave to when driving by on the way to work, the friends we see at the market or local restaurant, or our hard-working Livingston merchants. And all of you, of course.
Livingston’s culture of philanthropy and kindheartedness has yielded close to 1,600 warm coats thus far. But wait, there’s more. Many hundreds of scarves, gloves and winter hats, diapers, men’s dress attire, clothing and so much more. Then, there’s toiletries. Sweet smelling by the hundreds, I’ve learned at home. Thousands of kind donations were used to create well over 1,000 toiletries gift bags to serve the poor, homeless and disenfranchised. The many hundreds of new cosmetics gift bags were a huge hit, as well. We all want to look good, even – or maybe especially – the homeless. But who can afford cosmetics when out on the street? Especially the fine quality items donated right here in town?
Many of us enjoy losing ourselves in the fantasy world of shopping. We can forget our troubles for an hour or two… Look over merchandise in a setting where everyone can seemingly afford that new coat, suit or perhaps a luxury item, purchased simply for hedonistic fulfillment. As regular Tribune readers well-know by now, Livingston residents can also join our ever-evolving initiative, “Personal Shopping for the Homeless.” It’s easy, and perhaps surprisingly fun, to purchase something for those living below the poverty line, especially considering the myriad of sales out there. Sadly, it ...
