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ROTARY MEN’S CLOSET AND MEN’S WEARHOUSE TEAM UP FOR 2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL SUIT DRIVE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2009
Green Bay-Based Non-Profit and Leading Men’s Retailer Work Together To Collect Professional Work Attire for
Those in Need
Suit Drive Aims To Provide Work-Appropriate Wardrobes To Those Looking To Re-Enter the Workforce
Concerned that thousands of men are unable to secure employment because they lack the initial, yet vital, step of looking presentable for a job interview, Rotary of Green Bay and Men’s Wearhouse are working together to collect thousands of articles of professional attire as part of the 2nd Annual National Suit Drive, September 1-30.
Rotary of Green Bay along with more than 200 other nonprofit organizations have partnered with Men’s Wearhouse, the nation’s leading retailer of men’s tailored clothing, to help empower unemployed men by providing the necessary work attire that will build their self-esteem and help make a lasting impression during job interviews.
“We are very excited to work with Men’s Wearhouse on the National Suit Drive campaign,” said Barbie Patterson, President of Rotary of Green Bay. “Proper professional attire really makes a difference in our clients’ lives. With these donations, men will have the opportunity to walk into an interview with confidence – an essential step toward economic stability.”
Last year, the inaugural suit drive garnered 125,000 professional items nationally. This year, the Men’s Closet and Men’s Wearhouse have set a goal of not only gathering as many items as possible, but also increasing awareness about the importance clothing has on clients’ success as they work to overcome barriers to gainful employment.
“It became apparent many years ago that there was a long-standing need to help men who are striving for self-sufficiency,” said George Zimmer, CEO and Chairman of Men’s Wearhouse. “We started a Merchandise Donation program to provide professional clothing to nonprofit organizations serving these men. However, our program could not meet the demand, so we implemented the National Suit Drive to assist us in our efforts to help less fortunate men by giving them a renewed sense of dignity and respect. Philanthropy is a major part of our corporate fabric and given the economic climate, this year’s National Suit Drive is more important than ever.”
To demonstrate its commitment, Men’s Wearhouse will add a new tie to help complete the outfit for every suit donated.
All 1,065 Men’s Wearhouse and Men’s Wearhouse & Tux locations will serve as drop-off sites for gently used suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes that will be used to benefit men in need of these items to transition into the workforce. Men’s Wearhouse will accept donations for the Men’s Closet, which in turn will provide them to individuals who utilize their services. For a complete list of drop-off locations, please visit www.nationalsuitdrive.com.
About Rotary of Green Bay’s Men’s Closet
The Men’s Closet provides clothing for men in need. Partnering with the Salvation Army, this program has had nearly 2,200 visitors since its inception in August 2004. In 2008 alone more than 730 people were served through the Men’s Closet – a nearly 50% increase vs. 2007.
The Men’s Closet is located at 1125 W. Mason St. (behind the Salvation Army). Hours are:
Tuesday and Thursday: 2 – 5 pm and Saturday: 9:30 am – Noon
About Men’s Wearhouse
Founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse is one of North America's largest specialty retailers of men's apparel with 1,284 stores. The Men's Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories.
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Media Contact: Stefanie Shuman, (212) 253.4417, sshuman@devitoverdi.com
