With the turning of the weather, “the temperatures have been dropping, and LPI has been heating up,” noted Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI). The Livingston-based charity collects clothing, travel-sized toiletries, new socks, diapers, women’s products, cosmetics, and more to assist the homeless, and runs a seasonal coat drive. Donations may be dropped at the offices of the West Essex Tribune at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite.
Currently, LPI is focusing on two things, said Friedman: an ongoing fundraising campaign to enable the charity to purchase a vehicle; and its upcoming “Fur Extravaganza” sale.
Funds Needed for Vehicle
“A big LPI campaign is underway to fund a vehicle,” Friedman explained. “We are attempting to raise $10,000 during October and early November.”
Livingston Rotary presented LPI with a generous donation to kick-off its Vehicle Fundraising Initiative at this past Sunday’s UNICO Carnival. “Thanks to the Rotary, and special thanks to Rotary treasurer Margaret Leary-Gephardt, who introduced me to the good work of the organization,” he said.
Friedman noted that “LPI continues to operate with volunteer SUVs and passenger cars, as we commence season nine of giving. Tens of thousands of pounds of deliveries have been made to provide for the homeless and profoundly poor, including 13,000 warm coats – with personal vehicles provided by our few, but productive volunteers.”
LPI is asking the community to help fund a vehicle purchase. “We need one to keep up with our current level and volume of services and to be prepared for what may happen in the future in terms of pick-ups and deliveries,” said Friedman. “Now I’m reaching out to Livingston’s charitable civic and religious organizations for assistance.”
Friedman is also appealing to private individuals. “Please consider joining Livingston Rotary and Livingston’s BPOE (Elks), who also generously contributed to LPI’s Vehicle Fund,” he said. “Why not keep a portion of one’s personal, family, and professional giving right here in Livingston, especially when considering tax-deductible options? LPI represents Livingston residents every day.”
He continued, “LPI is a proven, vital resource for the homeless and devastatingly poor who are living just minutes away.”
Tax-deductible donations of any size may be mailed to LPI, P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039, or online with Paypal at paypal.me/lpinj. “Individual donations at any level are key to our success,” the Coat Guy said.
He added, “I am available for consultation by email, phone or in person, for those who want ...
