On The Move
SC Center for Fathers and Families and Men’s Wearhouse Partner to Help Local Job Seekers with National Suit Drive
Jul 2, 2012
Professional clothing drive helps midlands’ disadvantaged workers regain confidence
COLUMBIA, SC - June 28, 2012 - This July, the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse for the fifth annual National Suit Drive, the nation’s largest collection of gently used business attire for men.
Together, they are encouraging residents in the Midlands, Lowcountry and Upstate communities to transform their unwanted businesswear into a fresh start for disadvantaged workers still facing joblessness.
The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families is joining National Suit Drive and approximately 200 other nonprofit organizations to locally distribute the items collected at more than 900 Men’s Wearhouse locations around the U.S. Items being collected include men’s and women’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts, and shoes. Residents of the Midlands Lowcountry and U pstate may donate their gently used items at any local Men’s Wearhouse store.
“We are thrilled to partner with Men’s Wearhouse to continue fighting for this cause,” said Richard Barr, Director of
Community Development and Programming of the Center for Fathers and Families. “Many fathers are still struggling to
support their families and this is our way of saying ‘Let’s stand with you while you stand up for your families and your
children.’ The National Suit Drive is the local community’s chance to help because these suits provide our men with a little
boost of confidence when interviewing for potential jobs.”
Although the national unemployment rate has begun to decline, 12.5 million Americans are still out of work, and many are feeling discouraged. The clothing they receive through National Suit Drive gives them a confident first step toward a second chance. Partnering nonprofit organizations such as the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families provide essential skills and training that will transform these men on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Nationally, Men’s Wearhouse hopes to collect more than 110,000 articles of professional clothing to benefit charities like the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. Last year, the Center was able to help dozens of men in the Midlands area a chance to find their strong suit and get back to work. This year the Center would like to provide for all of their programs statewide.
During National Suit Drive, people can raise awareness by visiting the Men’s Wearhouse Facebook tab to share images an videos and to track donations with a live donations counter. They can also follow the conversation on Twitter @MensWearhouse for real-time updates with #giveasuit. For every suit donated, Men’s Wearhouse will give two business ties to the cause. As a thank you, donors will receive a coupon for 50% off all regular-priced items (excluding shoes) for their next Men’s Wearhouse purchase, as well as a tax receipt.
For more information, visit www.scfathersandfamilies.com and www.NationalSuitDrive.com.
