Nearly a month after Livingston Philanthropies became an official non-profit corporation known as Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., a private, family-run charitable support fund aware of LPI’s endeavors over the past seven seasons immediately stepped up with an unrestricted monetary grant.
In making the announcement, LPI founder and director Jeff Friedman noted that the philanthropic family has asked to remain anonymous. “They feel that remaining anonymous allows them to support the efforts they really feel are making a true difference in peoples’ lives,” he explained.
The money will be used to purchase winter or family clothing items for the “poor, homeless and disenfranchised,” in keeping with LPI’s mission statement. The grant is also earmarked to offset the costs of initial and legally-required insurance coverage for LPI as a nonprofit organization, including the state-mandated application fee.
“Fortunately, Livingston attorney Walter LeVine provided pro bono legal services. Also, Alan Karpas, president of Livingston’s Healthy Community, Healthy Youth initiative, was instrumental to LPI becoming a non-profit, (501(c)(3) corporation,” Friedman said.
“Now, commencing our eighth season of giving, LPI can finally accept monetary donations. I will announce our goals and objectives in that regard in an upcoming issue of the West Essex Tribune. For those who have generously given coats, toiletries, clothing and other items over the years and want to take their support to the next step of giving, or perhaps some have recently discovered our work and want to help, please e-mail me at jftv1@verizon.net for my mailing address. Generous donations will go a long way to helping those who live below the poverty line just minutes away.”
Along with coat and jackets, Livingston Philanthropies is requesting small-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, cotton swabs, soap, women’s personal products and diapers.
“Homeless women and girls, who have literally nothing, want to look good, too. Unfortunately, they do not have financial access to cosmetic and beauty items. Livingston residents have stepped up with thousands of new, quality cosmetic items already, but more are always needed and appreciated,” Friedman said.
“I wish our generous neighbors could see the look of happiness and gratitude on the faces of teenage girls and women who receive nail polish, lipstick, perfume, powder, scents, gift sets, and many other items from our volunteers. These items are things we take for granted and use every day. To them, they are treasures. Donations are accepted and appreciated all year ’round.”
Donations may be dropped at the ...
