A Finishing Touch Accessory Drive

The Conference is thrilled to partner with The Career Wardrobe, the nation’s largest community-based nonprofit organization serving women transitioning into the workforce by providing professional clothing and educational opportunities in the Philadelphia region.

We invite you to bring donations of handbags, jewelry, scarves, shoes (especially size 9 and up!), and stockings (new and unused; especially plus sizes), so that every woman can receive that “finishing touch” to help her make the very best impression!

“Being a divorced mother of three, I needed all the help I could get. I walked into The Career Wardrobe with almost no hope left. I felt so bad about not being able to provide for me and my family. I couldn’t even afford to buy dinner, let alone an interview suit. Walking through the doors of The Career Wardrobe I began to think, ‘Wow these ladies mean business!’ It was just like walking into a private boutique! I felt like I was shopping in a store, not receiving a hand out. Everything was so nice and I had a lot to choose from. I was given two outfits: one for the interview and one to wear on the job. I was stunned when, after picking my clothes, I was told that not only would I get shoes and hosiery to match, I would also receive jewelry and everything else to make my outfit pop! With the staff’s support I felt like I could face any future employer with confidence. And it paid off! I am now the office administrator for a music production company. It was not hard getting the job after using the tips I learned at The Career Wardrobe. Thank you so very much for all that you have done for me.”

— former Career Wardrobe client, Julie

In 2009, Pennsylvania Conference for Women attendees donated more than five carloads of accessories for The Career Wardrobe. It’s hard to put a number on the amount of people the last drive served, says Operations and Marketing Manager Heather Bennett.

“We generally see 5,000 women a year, and 4,000 are for dressing and clothing,” said Heather. “Unlike clothing, accessories don’t need to be any certain size, so we are able to provide them to the majority of the clients that come in for assistance. As you can see from the above quote, it makes a huge difference to the clients that they are able to personalize their outfit and truly make it ‘theirs.’ The drive two years ago helped make this happen for countless women in the region, and there truly is no way to quantify the smiles and gratitude – not just from the clients, but from The Career Wardrobe for helping us make that happen for the women we see.”

For more information on our “finishing touch” accessory drive at the 2011 Pennsylvania Conference for Women, please contact Heather Bennett at The Career Wardrobe, [email protected].