Effingham, IL – April 18, 2023 – PAVE is partnering with Enduring Freedom Ministries to host an ‘Interview Clothing Drive’.
Effingham County is looking for workers, and residents are looking for jobs. PAVE and Enduring Freedom Ministries are hoping to connect job seekers to the resources they need, and in this case, it’s an interview outfit that can empower someone and put them on the path to success.
From May 20th to June 8th, local area businesses will be collecting new or gently used interview-appropriate and business casual attire for job seekers of all ages. They will be accepting blazers, suits, dresses, slacks, dress skirts, business casual footwear, button up shirts, blouses, ties, and belts. All clothing must be clean and hangers are encouraged.
Clothing can be dropped off at any of the following locations during their hours of operation: Effingham County Chamber, Brown’s Drug Store, Effingham Public Library, Enduring Freedom Ministries, and Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota.
To kick off the clothing drive, Enduring Freedom will be in the parking lot in front of Hobby Lobby with a mobile food pantry on Saturday, May 20th. There will be free food to anyone who attends. The mobile food pantry will be opening at 10:00 a.m. and closing around 12:00 p.m. or while food lasts. There will be a donation tub for all interview-appropriate attire near the mobile food pantry.
The Interview Clothing Drive will come to a close the night of June 8th during Enduring Freedom’s “Sip for a Cause” at Tuscan Hills Winery from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This will be the last chance to donate clothing that will then be used for a ‘Dress for Success’ event on July 29th. Volunteers will be needed to produce this event. More information to follow.
Please take some time to look through your closet. The blazer that might have gotten you the job you’re at today may be the same blazer that will get someone else a job in the future. Pay it forward.
Questions regarding the Interview Clothing Drive or volunteering for the Dress for Success event can be directed to Brittany Sunderman at effcopave@gmail.com.