20 Clothing Donors Help Weave Positive Changes for Job Seekers

SANTA ANA, CA, March 15, 2013 (Press-News.org) For 20 years, WHW's Professional Apparel Program has provided two complete interview outfits, including all accessories and shoes at no charge to low-income job seekers to help them move from poverty to self sufficiency. In 1993, founders of WHW had a vision that would only be possible through clothing donations from the community. WHW's clothing donors come from all parts of Orange County, consistently raiding their closets and the closets of their spouses, family, friends and co-workers to help transform the lives of others.

Rosalyn Daily of Norwalk, and Nancy Fugua and Wendy Rogers, both of Cypress, all believe that providing these types of contributions are giving WHW job seekers a hand up. Wendy Rogers explained, "I hope that by donating and telling my friends to donate, I'm helping to extend a hand that says, you can and here's the help. You don't have to do this alone. People care."

Fran Greenstein and Kimberly Razi, both of Aliso Viejo, support WHW job seekers through volunteerism and clothing donations. Fran, who volunteers as a Personal Shopper, shares that "There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on their (WHW client) face when they come out of the dressing room and feel like a million bucks in a new outfit." Kimberly agreed adding, "I'd like to think that my donations make an impact on WHW clients by providing them with a sense of pride and strength; knowing that someone is there to support them."

Robin Fayette of Fountain Valley and Mary Baley of Huntington Beach both support WHW's apparel program through their club activities. Robin is a member of the Fountain Valley Women's Club and Mary is a member of Huntington Beach Rotary, both of which have sponsored clothing drives for WHW clients. Mary relates that "We are very happy to assist those who want to work, and just need a little help during a bad time in their lives."

Liz Wright, Pia Wagner, Simone Studhalter, Kathleen Gillespie, Angela Madrid, Lynne Schertzer , Victor Cianflone and Gaye Besler all from the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area have supported WHW for many years with their contributions of professional clothing and accessories. "I don't know exactly when I started donating clothes to WHW, but it was as soon as I found out about the organization. I hoped that they would help another woman be properly dressed for a job interview, or even a new professional job," said Gaye Besler.

Nadia Olstad of Irvine, Jill Schaufele of Santa Ana and Joanne Weeks, Lorna Scherff and Rita Schrank, of Tustin, like the fact that they are contributing to important work in the community. Rita who has donated clothing for over 15 years shared, "While I don't believe that clothes make the man, I do believe that we act better and portray a more positive image if we dress appropriately." And Lorna, who has been a regular donor for almost three years sums up her reasons for supporting the organization as, "Life events can seem very difficult at times, but knowing there are people around rooting for your success, can make all the difference in one's self-worth. By making donations, I feel I'm a silent cheerleader for WHW clients! I want them to know someone cares about their efforts towards self-sufficiency."

These 20 clothing donors represent more than 2000 donations of clothing WHW receives every year in support of their Professional Apparel Program, allowing them to provide interview and business clothing and accessories to over 2200 job seekers last year. Although this program is only one of five initiatives offered by WHW, it is a critical aspect of a successful job search. Lorna Scherff of Tustin, added, "With so many individuals out looking for work, competition can put some people at a disadvantage if they don't possess the proper appearance and poise during job interviews. By donating clothing & accessories to WHW clients, the appropriate business attire is available to them, at no charge, transforming their look, as well as their self-confidence."

For more information on how you can make donations of clothing and accessories to support the clients of WHW, please go to http://www.whw.org.

WHW is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide comprehensive employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens to achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success and who has served over 30,000 clients since 1993. WHW's 20 year Employment Success Program includes resume and interviewing skills, workshops, computer classes, job placement, image consulting, professional clothing appropriate for interviews and transportation services. Supported by over 1000 volunteers and United Way, WHW's services are always at no charge or obligation to clients and referring non-profit partners. For more information on WHW and its Employment Success Program, go to http://www.whw.org.