A Different Kind of Donation

This fall, I parted ways with 90% of my work/career wardrobe.  It took me a little time to finally feel disengaged from the working world.  Unless tragedy hits our home, I can't foresee going back to that daily grind.  It was also nice to free up a lot of room in my closet!

A dear friend is a school administrator for a very impoverished district.  The program she helps run was put in place three or four years ago when the graduation rate was around 17%. Today, it is over 80%.  After she told us that they are always looking for good quality clothing for not only students and graduates, but their parents, to wear to job interviews... I knew where my clothes needed to go.  It's important for this program to help the community, not just the kids.  They do a lot for the parents too.
 

I made sure everything was clean and in good condition.  Then I individually wrapped each piece, noting what it was.  Some of the packages had messages, such as a blazer I wore to a job interview -- where I got the job.  There were some pieces I noted would go well with others.  If I thought care instructions would help, I wrote that too.  The major thing was that I didn't want this lot to look like discards.  I don't think you make people feel good when your donation comes across as cast-offs.

In addition to clothes, I had shape-wear, shoes, stockings, some jewelry, scarves, and purses. I couldn't believe how much I had to pass along.  The school was so happy to get this and I know what I passed on will be put to good use.

When it came to work, I always found higher quality brands at thrifts.  Where we live, this merchandise is common.  That is not always the case in the economically challenged inner-city areas.  Hopefully that will make the next wearer feel as well dressed as I did when I went out looking for a job.