At Long Last! Livingston Philanthropies Acquires Cargo Van

Tue
31
Dec

At Long Last! Livingston Philanthropies Acquires Cargo Van

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Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has finally acquired its long-awaited and much-needed LPI vehicle – a 2019 Ford Cargo Transit van. “Philanthropic donors have done it again,” said Jeff Friedman, founder and director of the Livingston-based charity. “Along with the steady flow of winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves, now they have funded a vehicle for Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI). The van became a reality because of the generosity of family giving funds, Livingston civic organizations, local businesses and individual contributions. It’s almost unbelievable!” Friedman immediately put the van into service, driving from the dealership to its partner, the West Essex Tribune, to pick up donations. “As most know who read the Tribune each week, we are into our ninth season of giving here at Livingston Philanthropies,” continued Friedman. “Our work providing for the homeless and profoundly poor has been made possible through the goodness of volunteer vehicles and muscle power. My thanks to Rick Levin, Alan Levin, Alan Wishengrad, Neil Greco, and our newest volunteers from Collins Elementary School, Ben Bahler, his mom Jen, and his friend Hirschel Raklyar, for your time and commitment.” Noting that “It’s freezing out there, especially at night,” he encouraged residents to continue donating and “fill the new van with warm coats, jackets, winter accessories, toiletries, cosmetics, men’s dress attire, family clothing, diapers, women’s products and more. If you haven’t done so already, won’t you join your friends and neighbors by digging deep? Donations may be dropped during business hours at the offices of the West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite. Or, to make other arrangements, please send me an email at njhomeless@aol.com.” Friedman also reminded residents of LPI’s “Personal Shopping for the Homeless” initiative. “It’s another LPI community outreach effort, with the slogan, ‘If you see something, buy something,’ ” he explained. “I saw a piece on the network news last night focusing on the unbelievable discounts now available everywhere. According to the report, many stores are offering up to 75 percent off men’s winter coats, shirts, underwear, long johns, socks, hats, gloves and other diverse items.” He continued, “It’s actually fun to shop for the homeless, both online and in our many highway stores along Route 10 and other locations. And, the appreciation level on the receiving end is amazing. Imagine, if you will, a world where brand new items don’t exist. Enter altruistic Livingston residents who find sales galore and act ...

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