Where To 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.

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.

For women those items include business suits, separates like skirts and blouses, blazers and slacks, shoes, unused make up, unused underwear, purses and unopened hosiery. They ask that the garments not be out dated, torn or soiled and suggest that you ask yourself if you would be comfortable wearing a particular garment before you decide to send it.

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.

There are also national organizations that cater mostly to women who need assistance finding employment. These organizations supply an outfit for the interview and if the client gets the job they are allowed to return for more outfits to get them through their first week of work. Later they can return on a quarterly basis for three extra outfits to help them continue in their new job.

One such organization partners with local dress shops to collect the garments needed. The client is then treated to the feeling of having a personal shopper who helps select the best look for them. They spend time with them to find out what styles they like and put together several outfits for them that will get them through the process of seeking and finding a job. They also partner with businesses looking for help and assist with referrals.They truly give a helping hand up to those who want it.




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