South Orange To Hold Professional Clothing Drive – Patch.com
From the Village of South Orange:
Posted on: October 8, 2019
Donate Professional Clothing: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
To survive and thrive, victims of domestic violence must often flee their home, leaving behind the career wardrobe they need to support themselves and/or their children. At this crucial juncture toward survival, replacing workforce attire can be a dire necessity.
In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Township of South Orange Village is sponsoring a workforce clothing drive. Villagers looking to support this important cause can drop off new or clean, like-new professional clothing at two locations: the South Orange Police Department at 101 South Orange Avenue, or, the South Orange Municipal Offices at 76 South Orange Avenue, Suite 302 in South Orange. Drop off bins will be available from October 10-25, 2019.
A career wardrobe is important for victims of domestic violence who are returning to the workforce or starting work for the first time. Items of particular need include professional garments such as blazers, suits, dresses, skirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, shells, shoes, handbags, scarves, and coats. Sizes range from 2 through 3X with larger sizes encouraged.
“It is so important to support our neighbors who are courageous enough to take that first step away from an abusive home,” said Donna Coallier, Village Trustee and chairperson of the Health & Public Safety Committee. “Our officers have experience in helping domestic violence victims get to safe spaces and are looking to help them in their transition to safety,” added South Orange Police Chief Kyle Kroll.
Summer Jones, Village Trustee and liaison to the Community Police Collaborative, noted that “we are pleased to be teaming with two great organizations in this initiative: the Rachel Coalition and the Essex County Family Justice Center.” Since opening in 2010, the ECFJC has provided care to over 8,000 individuals, coordinating comprehensive services to restore safety, support, dignity, and hope for domestic violence survivors and their children.
This press release was produced by the Village of South Orange. The views expressed here are the author’s own.