December 30, 2008

The UAB Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will start the New Year by sponsoring its third Suits 4 Success clothing drive Monday-Friday, Jan. 12-16, 2009. The clothing drive is open to the public for participation. The past two Suits 4 Success drives have been overwhelming successes, collecting literally tons of clothing, shoes and accessories.

The public can drop off clean, gently worn women's suits, jackets, skirts, casual pants, shirts, shoes, handbags and accessories in front of the John N. Whitaker Building, 500 22nd Street South, from 6:30-10 a.m. from January 12-16.

Collected items will be donated to My Sister's Closet, an outreach program of the YWCA of Central Alabama. The clothing drive provides quality business attire to women who lack the financial resources to buy the kind of wardrobe required for a professional interview or the work environment.

"We know that many people like to start the New Year by cleaning out after the holidays, so we want to make it a little easier for them," said CSW event chair Heather Maddox White. "We will gladly take and help them find their next good home."

"And you don't have to be a UAB faculty or staff member or student to participate. We are encouraging everyone in the community to get involved."

The UAB Commission on the Status of Women brings female faculty, staff and students together in a forum to advocate and examine the progress of the university's commitment to securing equitable opportunities and rewards for its employees. The commission holds regular meetings and advises the president on issues, policies and practices that affect women at UAB. For more information about the commission and its initiatives, visit www.uab.edu/women.