Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has begun a major campaign to purchase a vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries to the poor and homeless of Essex County. “Having moved 38,000 pounds of warm coats, thousands of pounds of family clothing, thousands of toiletries and cosmetics gift bags and myriad of other diverse donations in personal vehicles, LPI is overdue for a small truck,” said the Livingston-based charity’s founder and director, Jeff Friedman. “In fact, such a conveyance is essential to maintain our continued level of service and to assure future growth potential.”
As a result, Friedman has put out “a call to local car dealers and corporate employees.” He noted, “It’s not a huge stretch to imagine that local car dealership owners have been following LPI’s progress in the West Essex Tribune. Or, perhaps Tribune readers who hold corporate positions with major automobile companies are aware of LPI’s eight years of service to the ‘poor, homeless and disenfranchised.’
“I can visualize my number one and number two philanthropic dreams becoming realities – either a community-committed car dealer finds a previously owned small van or truck and offers LPI a wholesale price, or someone from the corporate automotive industry steps up with the process required for a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity to explore an outright donation.”
In the meantime, LPI is still collecting travel-sized toiletries, socks, clothing, and other items for the homeless, as well as monetary donations to assist those in need through its partner agencies in Newark, Orange, and East Orange. “Every contribution helps, no matter the size,” said Friedman. “I’m asking generous Livingston residents to keep a portion of their philanthropic giving local. I would like to reach out to Livingston’s wonderful service and civic organizations, as well. Can you please consider assisting folks living out on the streets all year? Even now in May, nights are cold and lonely for our state’s poorest.”
He explained, “It’s convenient to partner with Livingston Philanthropies directly on Paypal at paypal.me/lpinj or by mailing a check to LPI, P.O. BOX 247, Livingston, NJ 07039.” Contributions are tax deductible.
Friedman added, “I shall be pleased to speak with those considering a generous contribution and want to know more about LPI and our charitable endeavors. Please email me at njhomeless@aol.com to arrange a phone call or in-person discussion.”
In closing, Friedman quoted Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, “who reminds us that ‘Making a donation is the ultimate sign of ...
