By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: Here, Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, reflects on the new year and the need for continued donations after the end of the holiday “giving season.”
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Cliff Young, contributing writer for crosswalk.com, shared his vision of the new year, which could be similar to the thoughts of many of us here in Livingston. “I love New Year’s because it signifies the end of a chapter, one that probably didn’t reach my highest expectations, yet holds the hopes, the dreams, and the possibilities of a whole new year,” he said. “I see it as a brand new start, a start that I need every year to help me get past the past.
This sounds great, but not so for those living out on the streets or below the poverty line in nearby communities. In fact, the start of the new year marks the end of the “giving season,” which means the end to much of the generosity showered on less fortunate communities between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Conditions, therefore, can actually get worse for those communities when the new year begins. It’s clearly not “the beginning of a new chapter” when one’s world revolves around food insecurity and the constant threat of violence on the streets or in shelters.
While the “giving season” has come to an end, the “freezing on the streets season” is underway and here to stay for several months. That’s why Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) thanks all who have donated warm coats, gloves, hats and scarves thus far, but asks for a continued effort to help in carrying out our mission statement, “providing for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised.” It’s so important that continued donations be dropped at the offices of our partner, Livingston’s West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite. Or, you can email me at our new email address, njhomeless@aol.com to arrange a convenient, private pick-up.
Right now, it’s “Personal Shopping for the Homeless” time, with wonderful sales available online and in stores. Men’s underwear, socks and large or extra-large coats are needed badly right now. “If you see something, buy something,” as our devoted LPI volunteers like to say. It’s fun, and a great way to give locally, with immediate impact.
LPI is also happily accepting monetary donations. This week, we received a $1,000 check from a Livingston resident. You may ...
