Give a Suit, Change Lives for the Better
DPS&C, Partners Collecting Clothing Donations until July 31
(Baton Rouge) The 8th Annual National Suit Drive is in full swing! The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse and Refined by Fire Ministries (RBF) to give releasing offenders assistance in looking for a job and dressing for the part.
Men’s Wearhouse locations across Louisiana (see attached list) are currently accepting interview-appropriate men’s and women’s clothing until July 31, 2015. Donations of gently used and clean items such as suits, dress shirts, jackets, dress skirts, outerwear, ties, belts and shoes are all being accepted.
More than 17,000 men and women released from DPS&C custody back into Louisiana communities in 2014. Many face obstacles making a successful and permanent transition.
“Finding employment is probably the biggest challenge men and women face after incarceration, but it is one of the big predictors of success if they can land a steady job,” said DPS&C Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc. “DOC works to prepare offenders educationally and through job preparation (assembling resumes and conducting job interviews). The public can contribute to a person’s reintegration into society by donating professional clothing to people who are starting over.”
Having a polished, professional look is critical to making a good first impression. The annual effort is known as the “Michael Ellerbe Legacy Suit Drive” in honor of the former pre-release director at Dixon Correctional Institute.
“We strive to battle unemployment by helping men and women get back on their feet and into the workplace. The knowledge that they are dressed appropriately can give interviewees the confidence they need to focus on the questions at hand,” said Elain Ellerbe, Michael’s wife and CEO of non-profit partner Refined by Fire Ministries. “The suit drive is a wonderful cause that provides needed assistance as we help position our clients to achieve success.”
Please join the thousands of individuals who saw and met the need over the past seven years. Not only can you help by making a clothing donation, but Men’s Wearhouse will donate cash to the cause as well with a little help from social media. Spread the work by sharing the #giveasuit post Men’s Wearhouse Facebook page. For every share, the company will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to local non-profit partners.
Clothing Requirements:
-Gently used, clean and on a hanger please
Items Collected (Men and Women’s attire):
-Suits, Sports coats, Slacks, Dress shirts, Dress shoes, Sportswear, Outerwear, Ties/Belts/Accessories
Donors Receive:
-A 50% discount coupon toward a future purchase at Men’s Wearhouse
-Tax receipt for donated items
For more information, visit www.nationalsuitdrive.com.
