Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., has, for the first time, been able to purchase items for the homeless thanks to residents’ donations, announced director Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman.
“While Philanthropies volunteers have used personal funding to provide new items for the ‘poor, homeless, and disenfranchised’ over the past seven seasons, the purchase of bedbug proof mattress covers for The Apostles’ House in Newark was made possible by local monetary donations,” Friedman said. “That’s because Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) is now an official 501(c)(3) charity, able to legally accept cash donations. May I suggest keeping a portion of one’s philanthropic giving local?”
The Apostles’ House, Friedman continued, “is a wonderful organization. A new LPI distribution partner this season, their mission is devoted to providing comprehensive social services to homeless women and children and individuals or families at risk of homelessness. Fifteen to 20 homeless women and children are housed there at any given time. I have quite a list of their needed items, so I started with the mattress covers. As Livingston residents continue to send generous tax-deductible donations to LPI, P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039, the purchasing of sale items shall continue.”
As always, LPI’s main focus is on warm coats, winter accessories, small size toiletries; new cosmetics and make-up; baby diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6; men’s dress attire; and women’s personal products. “I trust that our Livingston neighbors will continue to dig deep at home or perhaps purchase new items for LPI’s successful ‘Personal Shopping for the Homeless’ initiative. Donations may be dropped at the offices of the West Essex Tribune at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite. Or, e-mail me at jftv1@verizon.net to arrange private pick-up.”
Volunteers Desperately Needed
In closing, Friedman emphasizes that Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. “badly needs volunteers who have an SUV or larger vehicle, immediately. It’s season eight and we still don’t own an SUV. We need help picking up and delivering the huge amount of donations we have been receiving from our Livingston neighbors each week. It’s fun and easy to join us for just two hours per week. Once again, folks can e-mail me at jftv1@verizon.net to explore possibilities. LPI needs assistance right now. Thanks!”
Photo: Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) volunteer Karen Friedman loads the family sedan to prepare for several deliveries to Newark distribution partners. LPI, now in its eighth season of operation, still needs a vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries to serve those ...
