Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), Livingston’s local non-profit organization, has a mission of “providing for the poor, homeless, and disenfranchised,” and LPI founder and director Jeff Friedman has urged contributors to take advantage of summer sales for the charity’s “Personal Shopping for the Homeless” initiative.
“This time of year, we are exposed to a barrage of sale ads on a daily basis,” said Friedman. “Summer close-out sales, back-to-school bargains, online special offers, two-for-one purchases, email specials, newspaper pull-out sections, and so much more. These wonderful sale opportunities exist right now both in stores and online. That’s why LPI is asking Livingston residents to join our ‘Personal Shopping for the Homeless’ efforts while sale opportunities are so rampant.”
He continued, “ ‘If you see something, buy something’ is the basic thinking behind LPI’s Personal Shopping outreach. Folks enjoy purchasing sale items to provide for those living out on the streets, in shelters, or below the poverty line. It’s easy and doesn’t require a large expenditure (unless a reader feels like being extra generous, of course!)”
Friedman noted he is often asked what the homeless need. “My answer is always the same – it almost doesn’t matter what you buy, because they need everything. My suggestions, based on eight years of interaction with our wonderful distribution partners, are men’s socks, shirts, underwear, tee shirts and sneakers, and, in the winter, gloves and warm coats. All large and extra-large sizes, please.”
Friedman can attest to how much these items are appreciated and just how badly they are needed, he added. “New socks are a godsend to those out on the street, and not easy to get a hold of. I will never forget how one homeless gentleman told me, ‘You have to take care of your feet when you’re out on the street. If your feet go, you’re done.’ ”
In closing, Friedman said, “I’d like to quote Muhammad Ali, who said, ‘Service to others is the rent I pay for my room here on Earth.’ ”
Photo: Long-time Livingston Philanthropies friend Sister Jane McKenna is director of the Women’s Center at St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark. LPI volunteers visit Sister Jane often to distribute toiletries and cosmetics gift bags, all created with Livingston residents’ donations to LPI’s ongoing Trish Duffy Toiletries and Cosmetics Challenge.
...
