Last year, Jeff Friedman, founder of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), learned that many Livingston residents have old, unused and unwanted furs hanging in their closets, attics, garages and basements.
“Now, LPI offers a solution to family members who want to use the furs to make a difference for those living below the poverty line or out on the streets,” he said.
Livingston’s hometown charity is requesting old and unused furs for its second annual Vintage Fur Sale. “Last year’s event was hugely successful, and LPI is building on that success in 2019, our ninth season of providing for the poor, homeless and disenfranchised,” said Friedman. “Proceeds from the fur sale are used to to buy badly needed items for the homeless and profoundly poor folks.”
Donations can be dropped at the West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite. Residents can also email Friedman at njhomeless@aol.com to bring unneeded furs directly to LPI World Headquarters (his garage).
That also works for generous contributions of warm coats, winter accessories, toiletries, cosmetics, diapers, women’s products, men’s sneakers and more, Friedman added. The date of the second annual fur sale will be announced soon.
Call for Volunteers
LPI is also requesting volunteers who have two hours per week to share.
“We have fun doing what we do, interacting with lovely people and enjoying new experiences along the way,” Friedman said. To explore volunteering opportunities with LPI, send him an email.
This summer, two volunteers helped LPI by creating media to publicize what it does.
Allison Eglow of Livingston, a student at NJIT, designed and posted both a website (njhomeless.org) and Facebook page (Livingston Philanthropies, Inc.).
A one and a half minute video about LPI was produced by Danielle Oliveira, also of Livingston and a student at Montclair State University. It can be seen on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=BXbzTqGNDqc.
Instead of providing a quote this week, Friedman provides a definition.
“Kindness (noun): Loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.”
Photos: LPI volunteers have fun while providing an important service for those in need. Shown, left to right, Tribune editor Michael Izzo, volunteers Rick Levin and Stephen Greenberg, LPI director Jeff Friedman, and volunteer Patrick Corcoran load a trailer with items collected at the Tribune’s office. LPI is requesting unneeded furs of all types for its upcoming second annual Vintage Fur Sale. “Why not transform furs hanging in closets and elsewhere for years into cash to purchase new ...
