Livingston Philanthropies Inc. (LPI) is currently offering assistance to local fire victims. “We have just learned about an increase in the number of winter fire victims who lose everything,” explains Jeff Friedman, LPI founder and director. Among the items they need are suitcases.Amina Bey, executive director at LPI’s longtime distribution partner Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF), told Friedman, “Fire victims are forced to move around to temporary shelters and housing. We give them family clothing, but they have nothing to put it in.“In the winter, we get more fire victims who need suitcases, along with other homeless residents. We also do more deliveries to, and pick-ups for the seniors. If you're in position to procure rolling suitcases and carts, that would be a blessing.”LPI volunteers visited wholesale luggage websites to do just that. Due to the pandemic, LPI and NESF are handling new suitcases and carts only. “It’s wonderful to have funding from Livingston residents and entities to immediately react when vital needs arise,” says Friedman. “We are also purchasing hundreds of men’s thermal gloves today to help with the extreme freezing weather. All of this is made possible by Livingston’s continued support.”He invites residents to visit LPI’s updated website at njhomeless.org, and to donate at paypal.me/njhomeless. Friedman concludes, “Livingston Philanthropies is fortunate to be an affiliate of Livingston’s Healthy Community Healthy Youth HC/HY initiative. Special thanks to Livingston’s Alan Karpas, Martha Ackermann and Walter LeVine.”Photo: LPI founder Jeff Friedman goes online to send luggage and other needed items to Essex County fire victims.
