With the coronavirus pandemic putting an end to its collection of coats, clothing, toiletries, and personal items for the homeless, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has been adapting well to its new role of food distribution.
“It seems like yesterday when we discussed becoming a 501(c)(3), thereby unleashing the legal ability to accept monetary contributions,” noted founder and director Jeff Friedman. “That was two years ago. Through the efforts of Livingston non-profit heroes Walter Levine, Esq. and Alan Karpas, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. was created after seven years as a well-oiled volunteer operation, which it continues to be today as a non-profit corporation in our ninth season of giving.”
Now, with Livingston residents making it possible, he continues, “LPI is shipping food directly to Newark distribution associates to help feed the homeless and profoundly poor. Livingston’s continued generosity yielded a swift LPI reinvention from coats, toiletries, family clothing and the like, to desperately needed food items of all kinds. In fact, LPI has grown to the point of being able to supply food pantries with an increasing volume of basic food stuffs.
“I’m pleased to report that Livingston Philanthropies continues to grow into its distributor role. With the homeless still being homeless, and with at least 20 percent out of work, the need for food is overwhelming. Our brothers and sisters living minutes away from our town need our kind assistance more than ever before.”
This week, Friedman said, he ordered 400 loaves of fresh wheat bread for two long-time distribution associates, the Willing Heart Community Care Center (WHCCC) and Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF). “Both wonderful organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits who feed hundreds of hungry families each week, week after week. Yes, I said families. Let’s not forget, there are children and babies going hungry.”
He added, “It’s cash-in and cash-out here at LPI (as it should be). Contributions arrive and I ship what’s needed ASAP. For example, now that additional donations are arriving, I asked my friend, Monique Kelly, manager of the Bessie Green Community’s soup kitchen and pantry, what she needs most. Bessie Green also serves hundreds of the less fortunate every week. Her response was, ‘gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food for the pantry, aluminum foil, paper towels, napkins, large can veggies, tomato sauce, and white microwavable trays for meals.’ In other words, everything!
“For those with the means who want to help the homeless with immediate shipments, please make your generous contribution by ...
