Spring cleaning: Donate to the local workforce

04/03/2019| Amanda Winters

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Spring cleaning: Donate to the local workforce

04/03/2019 | Amanda Winters

With the spring season in full swing, it’s time to put spring cleaning on your to do list. Whether you are looking to go full KonMari, or just make some extra space in your guest room, there are plenty of local organizations ready and waiting to take your clutter.

Here in Maryland, there are a number of non-profits that accept professional clothing for members of the community who are entering or re-entering the workforce. In addition to the regional Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army centers, several groups are working to help individuals see their full potential and improve quality of life for families throughout the state. A clean outfit is the perfect first step in helping people get a fresh start and a new job opportunity.

Dress for Success collects interview-appropriate blouses, blazers, shoes, scarves, handbags, and more for women in the Greater Baltimore region. Many of their clients to from the Baltimore office straight to an interview, so the organization asks that all donations be clean and ironed, as well as in new or like-new condition.

Suited to Succeed has provided clothing, career development, and life skills training to local women for more than 20 years. In the last seven years alone, Suited to Succeed has provided more than 75,000 pieces of clothing to more than 10,000 women in the area. The nonprofit acquired Baltimore’s Dress for Success late last year.

Sharp Dressed Man was founded by the Living Classrooms Foundation and the Baltimore Fashion Alliance nearly 10 years ago. The organization empowers men who are involved with workforce development programs throughout the region. Sharp Dressed Man recycles suits for interviews to help these men re-enter the workplace with confidence.

Maryland New Directions helps its clients at no cost and is always collecting season-appropriate garments for men and women. Ties, socks, belts, jewelry, skirts, as well as suits, khakis, and more all belong in this non-profit’s clothing closet. The 45-year-old organization encourages and helps companies hold clothing drives, and is known for working with more than 350 unemployed and “underployed” individuals every year.

Find even more organizations where you can donate clothing here.

Still looking to donate but don’t have any professional clothing available? Check out BeMoreCaring, which collects items for misplaced adults and underprivileged children year-round. Items needed include clothing, shoes, flashlights, toiletries, batteries, hand and feet warmers, tents, non-perishable foods, and blankets. They also accept financial donations and encourage people to volunteer.

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