Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has announced that, in its continuing collection of coats, winter accessories, and shoes, donations of items in men’s sizes, especially men’s XL and up, are especially needed at this time.
“We keep a close eye on the weather forecast,” said Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of LPI. “It’s not good news for those living out on the streets, in shelters and below the poverty line. Upcoming evening temperatures will be in the 20s, along with freezing rain, ice and who-knows-what.”
He added that, while the “traditional ‘giving season’ is long over, the ‘freezing-on-the-streets season’ is not close to done, and won’t be for quite a while. That’s why LPI continues to ask Livingston residents for warm coats, scarves, hats and gloves. The biggest need is for men’s sizes.” Donations may be dropped at the offices of LPI partner the West Essex Tribune at 495 South Livingston Avenue.
“We recently asked for men’s sneakers and shoes of all sizes,” Friedman continued. “They arrived, almost immediately, when our altruistic Livingston neighbors stepped up once again! Their generous donations are already on the feet of the ‘poor, homeless and disenfranchised’ at no cost, thanks to our long-time distribution partner, the Willing Heart Community Care Center in Newark.”
Friedman asked donors to “please keep the footwear coming, if at all possible. As a homeless gentleman once told me, ‘You have to take care of your feet when you’re out on the streets. If your feet go, you’re done.’ ”
Friedman has also put out a call to shoe stores and footwear manufacturers for donations of stock that is not moving. Those interested can email him at njhomeless@aol.com or 973-533-9336 for immediate pick-up.
“Personal Shopping for the Homeless” continues to be a popular LPI initiative, said Friedman. “We encourage Livingston residents to partner with us by taking advantage of the many sales online or in stores. While we do collect for women and children, new men’s items in large sizes are what we really need. The majority of the homeless people we encounter are men, and men’s items are like gold on the streets. We are requesting coats, gloves, shirts, underwear, socks and more. Everything is badly needed, so please remember, ‘if you see something, buy something.’ All donations are tax deductible, as LPI is now a non-profit corporation. We’ll promptly send a receipt.”
In closing, Friedman noted, “For those who remember the singer/songwriter Jackie ...
