Monday, March 17, 2014

Who Benefits 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.

The donations can be taken to community churches that support programs designed to help needier parish members get back on their feet. Most churches have areas for collection of the donations and prefer that they be delivered on hangers to prevent any wrinkling or soil collection on the garments. There is usually a list of articles that are needed and the church is happy to provide you with a copy.

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.

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.

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.

The work that these organizations are doing is helping many people get back on the job. They have made dreams come true for people who thought they were finished. Donations to them should be considered a pleasure.




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