Dear Members of the IACC:

As autumn turns to winter, millions of poverty-stricken people across America are facing the onset of freezing temperatures, and cannot afford proper winter clothing to protect themselves from such harsh weather. This situation can lead to sickness and death for these unfortunates, particularly those living in sub-standard housing, or the homeless. Recently, we met with Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark, New Jersey, to discuss how his city’s law enforcement agencies were cracking down on the production and sale of counterfeit goods. Mayor Booker is an eloquent spokesman for a city overcoming decades of neglect, poverty, and crime, and he emphasized that urban crime – including the sale of counterfeit goods – is often fueled by poverty, homelessness, and the despair that results from these conditions.  He asked if we could reach out to our membership for donations of new apparel – especially shoes, sneakers, warm coats, boots, winter hats, and gloves – for the poor and homeless of a city that is seeking to transform itself and raise the quality of life for all of its residents – including the poor and homeless. Mayor Booker’s idea was to use the counterfeit goods seized by law enforcement to clothe the city’s less fortunate, but we argued that doing so would defeat our own purpose of protecting copyrights, trademarks, and the creative of people responsible for those distinctive designs. At the same time, we were moved by Mayor Booker’s concern for his city’s neediest residents, and we willingly agreed to help support his initiative, and nurture the very good relationship we have with this great city. Consequently, we decided to come to you asking for donations of new goods to this effort. We are asking for apparel items, toys, video games, music, and movies. If your company makes a donation it can help clothe, feed, or make the holidays brighter for some of the neediest families in Newark. We need your help. The donations will be made directly to three tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charities.

If we can interest you in joining us in this program, please contact Nils Montan at the IACC office.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity,

Nils Montan, International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition
Barbara Kolsun, Seven for All Mankind
Bob Barchiesi, Recording Industry of America Association