For Jeff and Karen Friedman, being at Newark Penn Station and helping those in need is what they love to do.

“It’s important for us to be at Newark Penn because people are homeless. They have no addresses at all,” said Jeff Friedman, co-founder of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., a local nonprofit. “They’re cold. They’re hungry. They’re the poorest of the poor. It’s not right.”

For the past 15 years, the husband-and-wife duo has focused on filling critical gaps for people living below the poverty line, primarily serving Newark and parts of East Orange through their nonprofit organization.

On Christmas Day, the Friedmans were back near Newark Penn Station, handing out hats and gloves to those in need.

“We’re down in Newark a couple times a week,” said Karen Friedman. “There are a lot of homeless people who need gloves and hats. It’s such an honor and a privilege to be able to give to them.”

Throughout the year, Livingston Philanthropies partners with seven different distributors to support coat drives, operate soup kitchens, distribute fresh produce, and provide winter necessities to people on the streets.

“From mid-November to the end of December, people are especially generous,” Jeff Friedman said. “It’s not that they aren’t generous throughout the year — but the giving season ends, and the needing season is 12 months a year.”

Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. has high hopes for next year, and are urging the public to continue donating, with hopes of expanding its impact in 2026.

“Hopefully there will be fewer homeless people,” Karen Friedman said. “I hope there will be shorter lines and more prosperity for everybody.”

To donate to Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., call 973-533-9336 or visit njhomeless.org.