With the weather getting colder, Livingston Philanthropies’ winter coat drive season is going into high gear. “With evening temperatures forecast to be dropping to the mid-20s on Friday and Saturday, it’s coat and winter accessories season once again,” noted Jeff Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI).
“It’s the same story every season – warm coats, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves are needed by the homeless and profoundly poor,” he continued. “Actually, with many experiencing cuts to benefits, it’s a worse situation this year and the need is more compelling than ever in 2019. It’s time to check closets, basements, attics and garages for unneeded and unused family coats. Most of us will find we have some to spare.”
“Fur Extravaganza” a Success
“Week two of our ‘Fur and Leather Extravaganza’ yielded wonderful results for the second time,” said Friedman. On October 26, Friedman held a sale of good quality donated fur and leather coats to benefit LPI. With pieces left over and many inquiring following the sale, Friedman decided to hold a ‘second edition” of the Fur Extravaganza the following week, and reported that the second sale was even more successful than the first. “Thank you to the many generous Livingston residents who donated family furs to our highly successful initiative. As always, Livingston rocks!” he said.
Friedman explained that he sells the furs, rather than donating them directly to the homeless, as such expensive items make the recipients targets of theft, or worse.
Proceeds from this year’s sales went to LPI’s vehicle fund. “The success of these sales, along with contributions received from individuals, family charitable funds and local service organizations, positions LPI to begin shopping for a long-needed vehicle,” he said. “I will contact several local dealerships in hope of finding a philanthropic owner who wants to offer a ‘deal’ to help provide for the homeless and profoundly poor.”
Trish Duffy Toiletries Challenge
Friedman also reported that LPI’s Trish Duffy Toiletries and Cosmetics Challenge is thriving, and the charity has been taking in a steady stream of travel-sized toiletries. “Trish, our late friend and a well-known Livingston resident, started it all some years back with her brilliant idea,” he said. “Since then, we have been collecting small sized toiletries and new cosmetics for the homeless. You can’t practice good personal hygiene without personal hygiene products, especially when you’re living on the cold streets of Newark and East Orange.”
Volunteers Needed
LPI is in ...
