Livingston Philanthropies, the initiative that operates both the Livingston Coat Drive and Toiletries Challenge, is continuing to collect coats and winter accessories as December begins.
“Through the overwhelming generosity of Livingston residents, many hundreds of homeless folks in nearby communities now own warm coats, winter accessories and enough toiletry items to get by for a little while,” says founder Jeff Friedman. “Livingston made this happen. These needs are extreme, real and immediate. I want to thank those who have participated leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Friedman, known affectionately as “The Coat Guy,” continues, “But, it’s only the beginning of December. There’s a long, cold winter ahead. In fact, it’s cold right now, with evening temperatures dipping into the mid-to-low 30s. And the homeless population, at least from my observation, is growing every year. That’s why, as Karen Carpenter told us in 1970, ‘We’ve only just begun…’ I’m asking our local friends and associates to dig deep into their closets, basements, attics and garages for gently used or new winter coats, including hats, scarves and gloves. If residents can’t get to the West Essex Tribune to drop-off their heartfelt donations, one of us at the Livingston Philanthropies shall be pleased to arrange for private pick-up at one’s home or business. It’s just that simple to make a major difference in someone’s life.”
That’s true of sample/hotel-sized toiletries (including cosmetics samples) as well, Friedman adds. In recent days, Livingston Philanthropies volunteers distributed hundreds of toiletries gift bags to the poor, homeless and disenfranchised, along with over 100 warm coats. Philanthropies volunteer Joyce Friedman, the Coat Guy’s sister-in-law, participated in her first gift bag give-away in Newark just the other day. “Emotions ran high for Joyce on that afternoon at North Reformed Church on Broad Street in Newark,” says the Coat Guy. “While I cannot remember her exact words, I do recall her saying, more than once, ‘Oh, Jeffrey…’ as we gave out the bags.”
Weenie Friedman, Jeff Friedman’s wife, has been turning out toiletries gift bags at a “record pace,” he explains.
“Making the bags is really fun and creative.” comments Weenie. “Their contents are more than appreciated by those who receive them. Remember, our constituency needs it all.”
The Coat Guy adds, “Remember, ‘If you see something, buy something.’ Our Personal Shopping for the Homeless initiative is becoming more popular each week. Opening Livingston bags to find brand new items with tags intact is awesome. Finding ...
