Nonprofit looking for women’s clothing donations

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -Diane Jacobs is hard at work inside the Dress for Success boutique in Springfield.

Later this month, the nonprofit’s volunteer engagement manager will help sell clothes at the nonprofit’s tag sale.

The proceeds will help Dress for Success’ work with economically challenged women.

They provide them with professional attire and the tools necessary to advance in the workplace and become more financially independent.

“We have referrals from different agencies, so women come in looking for jobs,” Jacobs said. “We take them in here and we suit them up with clothes. We provide them with shoes, pocketbooks, pants, everything that we have for them to look nice and professional when they’re doing interviews.”

Jacobs said they offer free clothes to women who are eligible and they keep helping even after the women are hired and working.

She said one of her goals is to provide women in her community with confidence and the financial stability to succeed in life.

“I’ve had women in domestic violence situations that leave out with nothing but the clothes on their back,” Jacobs said. “And they come here, provide them with clothes. I give them as much as they can carry. You know, I just want these women to feel valued.”​

The Dress For Success tag sale runs from June 17 to June 23 at the Eastfield Mall parking lot. Jacobs said in the meantime people can help by donating women’s professional clothing and money at their office next to the mall.