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.

Churches and non-profit organizations assist those who need a chance to get back on their feet by teaching them new skills, giving them a place to live and helping them to prepare for the eventual job interview. Part of this process is helping them to acquire appropriate clothes and showing them how to present themselves to a potential employer.

Shelters for women and women with children do a great deal of this type of work. They sometimes partner with dress shops or department stores to assure their clients will have an up to date wardrobe for job seeking. They also work with the public and encourage them to help by bringing their lightly used office apparel in for donation.

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.

Women's garments should be business casual. This means suits with slacks or a skirt, blazers, skirts and blouses, shoes of all sizes and unused toiletries, undergarments and hosiery. They request that the clothing be seasonal and not be out of style or inappropriate. A rule of thumb is whether or not you would wear the garment in question to an interview or not. If you would wear it then it will be perfect for their needs.

The list for men contains the basic male wardrobe. Suits, ties, dress shirts and shoes. Black or brown stockings and other accessories are needed along with basic toiletries necessary for the best appearance. They do not want polo shirts or casual clothes, pajamas or any type of underwear.

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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