Clayton News Daily

By Valerie Baldowski

vbaldowski@henryherald.com

Local Dress Barn stores will collect clothing items for women in the community, seeking to enter the work force, during their four-day "Dress for Success S.O.S. Send One Suit" event.

The stores are collecting new or nearly-new items appropriate for job-interview situations today through Sunday.

"We know how important a job interview is," said Cindy Bearden, district sales manager for Dress Barn in Locust Grove. "That is why we partnered with our local Dress For Success affiliate to help disadvantaged women make that impression a good one."

Dress for Success is an international nonprofit group that provides professional attire, networking support, and career development tools for disadvantaged women.

Sponsors of the event say the donated suits will help women project a professional appearance.

"This event gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women right here in the community where we do business," said Bearden. "We want everyone to realize that when they make a donation, they are giving another woman the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a personal first impression and land a job that can change her life."

Dress Barn stores will provide a 15-percent-off coupon to customers bringing in a donation during the "Send One Suit" event. A donation receipt will also be provided.

Local Dress Barn stores are located at Tanger Factory Outlet Center in Locust Grove, and Henry Town Center in McDonough.