Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) is requesting warm coats, winter accessories, small toiletries, diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6, and now, baby and children’s items for homeless youngsters living at the Apostles’ House in Newark.
“Although we still enjoy somewhat temperate weather, coat season is just ahead,” noted LPI founder and director Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman. “The homeless and families living below the poverty line have need for warm clothing, right now.
“Livingston’s generosity continues as LPI enters its eighth season of ‘providing for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised.’
“I’m asking those who may have unused coats, gloves, hats and scarves – new or gently used, please – to drop them at the offices of the West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue next to ShopRite,” said Friedman. “Or, e-mail me at jftv1@verizon.net for private pick-up.”
It is “fun and easy” to take advantage of LPI’s “Personal Shopping for the Homeless” initiative, Friedman added. “Simply look for sales online or in local stores and purchase what’s needed by families who are beyond poor. ‘What do they need?’ I’m often asked? My answer is always the same. ‘It doesn’t matter – folks out on the street and living in shelters need, literally, everything.’ Examples include warm coats, underwear, socks, shirts, sweat shirts, and so much more. Men’s large and extra-large sizes represent the greatest need out on the hard streets.”
Small/hotel-sized toiletries, he said, “are also at the forefront in terms of what’s needed right now – and always. And, who doesn’t want to look good? But there are so many women and girls out there who don’t have financial access to cosmetics and beauty products. That’s why these items are requested by Livingston’s local philanthropy, LPI, as well.”
New Distribution Partner
LPI has welcomed a second new distribution partner in as many weeks, the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC). “The NJRC, with offices/training centers throughout the state, is a non-profit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from incarceration,” explained Friedman. “This is a terrific agency that does really worthwhile work.”
“Our clients receive a three-part assessment,” said NJRC employment specialist Cynthia Rojas. “They are under extreme hardship because of bad choices previously made. We get them ready for employment by helping with driver’s licenses, birth certificates, interview wardrobes, life skills, credit, and social skills.”
Dawn Bennett, an NJRC case manager, added, “We meet with our clients and ...
