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.

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.

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.

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.

Several of these organizations have gone national and work with their affiliates as well as partner with businesses and retail shops. The national organizations deal mostly with women's clothes and they encourage social clubs as well as private companies to get involved by holding donation drives in their offices or volunteering time to the organization.

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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