What To Consider When You Donate Career Clothing

By Jaclyn Hurley


Men and women who are unfortunate enough to have been unemployed for long periods of time sometimes find themselves in the position of not having the appropriate apparel to successfully compete in the job seeking market. They may have become homeless or be living in shelters where they can have few items that belong to them. These circumstances do not necessarily need to doom them to a life of destitution. There are ways to donate career clothing to assist these people to get back on their feet.

There are organizations in nearly every community that will help those who are down on their luck to get back on the road to financial well being again. The philosophy is that most people prefer a hand up over a hand out and would rather be gainfully employed if given the opportunity. With a little training on how to get through a job interview and the proper clothing they can attain their goals.

Women who have fled from violent situations and now reside in shelters also benefit from these programs. They often have children that they are responsible for and getting a job that can support them is imperative for their continued independence. The agencies that protect them have trained professionals that prepare them for the job market but without the generous donations of private individuals it would be in vain.

Virtually all churches have areas where they collect donations for those people who are needier than the rest of the parish. Some of these churches set aside another area for people who need clothes and accessories to assist them in looking for work. They and most other organizations ask that the items be clean and undamaged. They prefer that you bring them in on a hanger to help prevent wrinkling and they will supply you with a list of acceptable garments if you ask for it.

The list for women will ask for matching business suits, shoes, skirts, blouses, and slacks. They also appreciate office quality jewelry, purses and other accessories. The programs who offer these services ask that the clothes be seasonal so as to be appropriate for work immediately. They also prefer that they not be out dated or damaged.

Men's clothes are a much shorter list but equally as important. They need suits that are not out dated or worn out, dress shirts and stylish ties, shoes and black stockings, belts and overcoats. They will also accept cuff links, watches and briefcases to complete the look. They do not want polo shirts, jeans, khakis or corduroy pants.

National women's organizations have rallied to help support women in shelters by partnering with local affiliates to supply them with a fitting with a professional who will assist them in selecting appropriate apparel for their interview. If they get the job they are then treated to several more outfits to allow them to have enough of a wardrobe to finish the first week of work. There is a follow up program called working wardrobe that continues to help them dress for success.

Everybody benefits when persons in need of a helping hand get the clothes and skills they need to get ahead. Organizations have banded together to help provide the basic tools they need and it is proving to be a successful endeavor. When coupled with agencies to prepare them for working, organizations that help them dress for success are the finishing touch on a recipe for a new life for thousands of individuals and their families.




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