With temperatures this week plummeting to single digits, the need for coats for the homeless is greater than ever, reports Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman of Livingston, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI).
“Increasingly, other non-profits are relying on Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) for warm coats, winter accessories and more,” Friedman noted. “LPI’s philanthropic efforts have grown exponentially since its humble beginnings in 2011, when we collecting some 300 coats. Currently, midway through season eight, we have just passed the 1,500 mark in coats donated to our distribution partners in Newark and East Orange.”
Already, many of the Livingston-based charity’s distribution partners are in immediate need of additional coats, Friedman said. “It’s only mid-winter, yet many of the grassroots organizations who provide coats to those who badly need them are fresh out of stock. Just this week, LPI fulfilled a request for warm coats and toiletries gift bags from Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF), a long-time distribution partner. Due to Livingston’s continued generosity, volunteers delivered both in time for NESF’s homeless distribution event on Tuesday of this week. This included 108 pairs of gloves donated by Livingston residents!”
Coats Needed For
Saturday Distribution
Requests continue to come through word-of-mouth, the Coat Guy reported. “I just received a phone call from Elder Brad Blocker, representing the Wells Cathedral in Newark. The Pentecostal church needs coats and winter accessories for distribution this Saturday to the shivering homeless congregating at Peter Francisco Park in Newark. I am encouraging loyal readers, if they see this article on publication day this Thursday, to rush their unneeded coats, scarves and gloves to the offices of our wonderful partner, the West Essex Tribune. Items dropped at the Tribune all day Thursday, January 31, and by 11 a.m. on Friday morning, February 1, can be included in LPI’s delivery to Wells Cathedral on Friday. However, we will continue to collect coats through March, while it is still coat weather.”
In conclusion, Friedman said, “I would like to close with a quote from Arthur Ashe: ‘From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.’ ”
Photo: Representing Livingston Philanthropies, LPI director Jeff Friedman was interviewed last Sunday by Pastor Dan Martian at the Presbyterian Church of Livingston, as part of his sermon focusing on doing for others, in keeping with the teachings of the Bible. Rev. Martian commented, “Jeff inspired my congregation by his ministry ...
