HELPING OUR COMMUNITY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Make a Difference publishes wish lists of nonprofit organizations, connecting our readers with those groups that are in need of gently-used or new items.
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Clothes That Work is the terrific organization that provides interview clothing, image counseling and a dose of self-esteem to those hoping to become self-sufficient by seeking jobs.
Since its inception in 1998, 21,500 people have benefited from the unique one-on-one services offered.
This week the nonprofit officially celebrated another milestone. It opened its newly-expanded Boutique, a resale shop, at the Montgomery County Job Center. Clothing that’s been donated to the organization but isn’t appropriate for clients — perhaps it’s too dressy or too colorful for the workplace — is offered at great prices to the community with monies raised going back into the organization. Some items are also sold on eBay.
The new shop looks like a fancy boutique, with items beautifully displayed and lots of upscale clothing from a variety of retailers and designers. Some of it has never been worn, and the shop also stocks jewelry, scarves, shoes and boots, and handbags. Typical prices are $10 for a dress, $8 for a blouse, $10 for a man’s shirt, $8 for men’s slacks.
Close to 100 dedicated volunteers work with both the CTW clients and in the boutique, but as you can imagine, the organization is always in need of your donations of clothing and accessories. Both men’s and women’s items are accepted.
Here’s what they need:
For women:
• Slacks and suits in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and up
• Misses business appropriate blouses, all sizes
• Dress shoes in sizes 9 to 11
• Jewelry
• Scarves
• Hosiery
• Handbags, portfolios, wallets
• Personal care items for women
Outerwear – jackets, ¾ length coats
For men:
• Dress and casual slacks in waist sizes 29, 30, 38 and up
• Dress shirts in sizes S, XL, XXL, XXXL
• Suits and sports coats in sizes 38, 40, 48 and up
• New or lightly worn dress socks
• Dress shoes and steel-toe boots in sizes 10 to 13
• Personal care items for men
Dropping it off:
Your gently-used or new items can be dropped off at the Job Center, 1133 S. Edwin C. Moses, Suite 392, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month.
Other drop-off points include a barrel at Oakwood Florist, 2313 Far Hills Ave., where items can be donated from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
There is also a barrel at The Envelope, 6131 Far Hills Ave. Times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Shopping at the CTW Boutique is now easier.There's a door at the front of the building that leads right to the shop, and there are eight designated parking spots at the Job Center for Boutique shoppers. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday – Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday.
The annual Fashioning Futures Luncheon is always inspirational, as CTW clients model their pretty outfits while their stories are told. This year's fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the David H. Ponitz Center, Sinclair Community College. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through www.clothesthatwork.org or by calling (937) 222-3778.
Volunteers are always needed at Clothes That Work. You can become a personal shopper and work with clients, work in the boutique or in the donation room.
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