Clothing drive seeks to help women succeed in workplace

Published 9:17 am Friday, January 21, 2011

After much success during its first year of participation, Daisy Blue Naturals in Albert Lea is conducting a clothing drive aimed at helping economically disadvantaged women succeed in the mainstream workplace.

Organized by the nonprofit organization Dress For Success, area residents are being asked to donate gently used professional women’s clothing, purses and jewelry, along with new cosmetics, to the drive.

The goal is to help economically disadvantaged women have the appropriate professional clothing to wear to job interviews and ultimately acquire jobs, retain their new positions and succeed in the mainstream workplace.

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According to a website sponsored by the organization, the service directly benefits the woman, her family and the larger community by allowing her to be an “economically participatory member” of the community.

Jena Thompson, owner of Daisy Blue Naturals, said when Daisy Blue Naturals took part in the drive last year, she was pleased with the response from the community.

“I was amazed at how many people not only donated clothing but spread the word and really felt good about the organization and what they’re doing,” Thompson said.

Donations will stay in Minnesota this year.

She noted this is a good opportunity for people to give back to the community and find a use for items that may be packed away in closets or dressers.

Thompson said people have until Jan. 27 to drop off donations at the company, 2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave., Suite 108, in the Albert Lea Business Development Center.

Donations will be packaged and shipped at Daisy Blue Naturals’ expense.

People with questions, they can call 373-0229.