SAN DIEGO–This July, Second Chance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people off the streets and into the workforce through job readiness training programs, is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse for the fifth annual National Suit Drive, the nation’s largest collection of gently used business attire.
Together, they are encouraging residents in the San Diego community to transform their unwanted businesswear into a fresh start for disadvantaged workers still facing joblessness.
Second Chance is joining National Suit Drive and approximately 200 other nonprofit organizations to 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 San Diego may donate their gently used items at Men’s Wearhouse locations in Carmel Mountain, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla, La Mesa, Mission Valley, National City, San Diego and Santee.
“We are thrilled to partner with Men’s Wearhouse to support the need for individuals to have access to professional attire to obtain good jobs,” said Robert Coleman, executive director of Second Chance. “Since our founding in 1993, Second Chance has graduated more than 5,000 individuals who are now working and paying taxes and we’ve been able to make professional clothing available to these thousands of men and women over the years. The National Suit Drive is the local community’s chance to help keep this level of support going for those who need work.”
A May 2012 Huffington Post article reports that approximately 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 Second Chance 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 Second Chance. During National Suit Drive, people can raise awareness by visiting the Men’s Wearhouse Facebook tab to share images and 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.SecondChanceProgram.org and www.NationalSuitDrive.com.
