Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) founder and director Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman has reported that, early in the season, “ ‘business’ is brisk. Generous Livingston residents have already donated some 350 warm coats, winter accessories, toiletries, cosmetics, diapers, hand-knit scarves and other items, along with men’s dress attire to benefit a Welfare to Work program and two prisoner re-entry centers.”
Noting that night-time temperatures have been falling into the 40s all week, “with no warmth in sight,” Friedman said, “I respectfully ask your readers to consider which one of us is going outdoors without protection, even during the day? Some of our poorest brothers and sisters, living on the streets or in shelters, don’t have the luxury of deciding which coat they’ll wear, based on temperature and personal fancy. In fact, many have no warm coat or winter accessories at all. I’m urging our Livingston neighbors who have not yet dug deep to do so now. This need is real and just minutes away from town.”
Livingston’s religious and civic organizations, he added, “are already coming forward to help. Churches, temples, schools and the Girl Scouts are already planning coats and toiletries drives to serve ‘the poor, homeless, and disenfranchised.’ It’s a learning experience for students and congregants of all ages. If requested, I personally pick-up donations and speak about volunteerism and giving to others.”
Friedman has invited other township organizations to get involved by holding their own collection drives. “It’s fun, easy and gratifying to help others on a group basis,” he said. “Folks can email me to discuss the simple details. There’s lots of time to organize and collect. After all, it’s only early November!”
Livingston residents, Friedman added, “may also do some ‘personal shopping for the homeless,’ online or at stores, or they can mail donations to LPI, PO Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039, and we’ll shop for them.”
What do the homeless and those living below the poverty line need the most? “The answer is pretty much everything. Just the other day, for example, a kind Livingston neighbor shopped for the homeless and dropped 36 pairs of men’s underwear at the offices of the West Essex Tribune. Today, Livingston volunteers will put together underwear gift bags for distribution next week.”
Friedman also noted that Newark’s Fornos of Spain restaurant has continued its affiliation with Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) by donating food items and family clothing. “Fornos placed a donation bin in their ...
