In his weekly update on Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), founder and director Jeff Friedman noted, “Collins Elementary School fourth and fifth-graders proved that the ‘giving season’ wasn’t over at the end of 2019’s holiday season.”
Under the auspices of the Student Council and PTO parent volunteer Sherri Lynn Marrache, LPI was presented with more than 100 warm coats and bags of winter accessories by the Collins students who collected them. “Just in time for the frigid temperatures,” said Jeff Friedman.
Along with coats dropped at the offices of the West Essex Tribune, LPI volunteers delivered a total of 162 garments, along with hats, gloves and scarves, to long-time distribution associate Willing Heart Community Care Center in Newark. Willing Heart immediately distributed the needed warmth at no cost to the homeless and profoundly poor through its Clothing Boutique.
“I am inviting Livingston’s civic, educational and religious organizations to join Collins School by holding their own coat drives for LPI, Livingston’s local charity,” said Friedman. “It’s easy, and we’ll pick up the proceeds in our brand new van, funded by our loyal and generous supporters.”
He added, “Individual donations are also strongly encouraged, as they are the backbone of LPI’s successful giving initiatives.”
Representatives of Livingston businesses, schools, churches and temples may contact Friedman at njhomeless@aol.com to discuss participation or other ways in which to contribute. Residents can direct funds to LPI’s “personal shopping for the homeless” initiative on Paypal at paypal.me/lpinj. Donations are 100% tax deductible, said Friedman, and LPI provides receipts by email or hard copy.
In closing, Friedman said, “I’d like to quote Kathy Calvin, who was chief executive officer of the United Nations Foundation, 2013-19. She said, ‘Giving is not just about making a donation… it’s about making a difference.’ ”
Photos: Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) founder and director Jeff Friedman, speaks to Collins School students about the importance of their donations, facilitated through a successful coat drive on behalf of LPI. “What a smart and receptive group,” Friedman said.
Collins School fourth and fifth graders collected over 100 warm coats and many bags of winter accessories for Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) Along with individual coat donations, LPI volunteers delivered 162 winter coats and jackets to the “Ladies of the Boutique” at Willing Heart Community Care Center in Newark, one of LPI’s primary distribution associates. Shown here with long-time Livingston resident and LPI volunteer Alan Wishengrad, are Rosario Perez, Lisa Cherokee, Raine Booker, Judy ...
