Editor’s Note: This week, Jeff Friedman, founder and director of the non-profit Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), makes, in his own words, an appeal for funding to purchase a vehicle the organization can use to transport the large amount of donated items it receives and distributes each week.
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By Jeff Friedman
Especially at this time of year, the “giving season,” we are assaulted by a variety of national charities looking for donations prior to the end of the tax year. Lots of good ones, too. But, as the founder of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., I’m making the case for keeping a portion of one’s giving right here in town.
Here at Livingston’s local charitable organization, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., (LPI) our mission is “providing for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised.” These are families and individuals existing completely out on the streets or living well below the poverty line, literally minutes away from most of our homes. Our state’s poorest, and clearly the most disenfranchised – that’s who we help, and that’s why I’m calling upon philanthropic Livingston residents to assist us financially.
Now in our eighth season of operation, with over 11,000 warm coats donated along with thousands of toiletries and other items, LPI does not own a vehicle. It’s all done with volunteer SUVs and other personal vehicles. We need an SUV or truck badly to both maintain our current level of service and to grow in terms of the services we provide.
Perhaps those considering year-end donations will contemplate the importance of supporting their proven, local non-profit with a generous donation. It’s easy and rewarding to make donations on PayPal at our direct link, paypal.me/lpinj, or by check to LPI, Inc., P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039. Donations and grants are tax deductible, per IRS 501(c)(3) tax code.
Along with the personal feeling of investing in Livingston and the neighboring communities we serve, there’s the “bang for the buck” aspect. It’s interesting to learn about what percentage of donated monies actually go to those in need with national charitable organizations carrying huge, expensive infrastructures to pay for. Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. is a 100% volunteer organization. Therefore, 100% of donations go to help those in extreme circumstance and need.
You read it correctly – 100%. For full disclosure, minor start-up costs included filing fees, checks and opening a post office box. Later in 2019, LPI will incur insurance costs, as well.
How has LPI spent Livingston’s donations ...
