By Jeff Friedman
Livingston resident Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of the Livingston Philanthropies, here, in his own words, introduces his charitable organization to new readers. Livingston Philanthropies conducts a seasonal coat drive and year ’round collections of toiletries for the homeless, as well as men’s dresswear, feminine hygiene products, and diapers.
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As this week’s edition of the West Essex Tribune has been mailed to every residence in Livingston, I know that some friends and neighbors are reading our hometown newspaper for the first time. It’s my pleasure to welcome you to both the Tribune, our stalwart partner, and to Livingston Philanthropies, your local charitable organization. Now in our seventh season of operation right here in town, our mission is to provide for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised. Families and individuals are living well below the poverty line, just minutes away from cozy Livingston.
Livingston Philanthropies does not request or accept cash donations. Rather, we are respectfully requesting your new or gently worn coats, warm jackets, scarves, winter hats and gloves. Many of us have closets, basements, attics and garages brimming with exactly what the extremely less fortunate need right now. After all, whether it’s 15 or 45 degrees, it’s coat weather, especially if you are living on the sometimes mean and always hard streets.
We started our philanthropic efforts collecting coats, but like most things in life, it’s been an evolution. A learning curve, if you will. It became apparent that hotel-size toiletries are urgently needed by the homeless. Personal hygiene is attempted on the streets. Perhaps a wash-up or shower opportunity presents itself. Or the homeless know of spots where running water is sometimes available for a quick tooth brushing. Here’s the issue… you can’t practice personal hygiene without personal hygiene products. Makes sense, yes?
That’s why Livingston Philanthropies expanded to distribute small-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, razors, tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, cotton swabs, soap, women’s personal products and diapers. Yes, diapers. I’m sad to report that infants and babies are out on the streets with their families, too. Sizes 4, 5, and 6 are warmly accepted, please. Why not donate now to share our ample resources with those who have no resources?
New cosmetics and cosmetic samples are loved and enjoyed by those who don’t have financial access to them. Just like us, homeless women and girls, who have literally nothing, want to look ...
