October 31, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A drive to collect "lightly worn" women's business clothing is on at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham). The drive, called "Suits 4 Success," is collecting clothing appropriate for office or retail settings for disadvantaged women who are trying to return to or enter the work force. Organized by the UAB Commission on the Status of Women, Suits 4 Success clothing will be donated to My Sister's Closet, an outreach program of the YWCA of Central Alabama.

"The drive is aimed at providing quality business attire to women who lack the financial resources to buy the kind of wardrobe required in a professional setting," said Laura Vogtle, Ph.D., associate professor of occupational therapy and head of Suits 4 Success. "There are a lot of women eager to get a better job and build a better life. But for many women, inadequate clothing makes it difficult to even get past the interview process."

Suits 4 Success is targeting UAB faculty and staff with drive-in stations at two locations on campus. The collection sites are at the John N. Whitaker Building, 500 22nd St. South, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Nov. 6-10; and the Marshall Conference Center, 802 11th St. South, from 6 to 10 a.m. Nov. 7-10. Items needed include suits, jackets, skirts, casual pants, shirts, shoes, handbags and accessories. 

"We're asking for clothing that is gently worn and reasonably new," Vogtle said. "We ask that it be clean, pressed and on hangers."

Drop boxes also will be located in the Administration Building, Ullman Building, Campbell Hall, Business and Engineering Complex, Webb Building, Scrushy Building, Humanities Building, School of Nursing, School of Public Health and School of Education.