Women’s work clothes wanted

Duane Hicks

When you’re going for a job interview or starting a new job, it’s important to look the part.
Unfortunately, having the right clothes isn’t always easy for women who can’t afford them or, due to other circumstances, have had to leave their possessions and relocate.
Local entrepreneur Jennifer Horton wants to help those women with a “Dress for Work” clothing drive this Saturday (Jan. 27) from noon-4 p.m. at her business Curvy Chick (256 Scott St.)
Horton said she’s hoping to get a “Dress for Work” program going this spring, and needs to start collecting donations to be able to provide women in need with work clothes. This will be a free service for the community.
“I’m looking for gently-used workwear, like suits, pants, jackets, dresses, blouses, things like that, that would assist women maybe getting back into the workforce or coming from an unfortunate situation where they need these types of work clothing,” she explained.
Horton said it’s important that the clothing is “current and up-to-date,” noting a good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t want to wear the clothes yourself to work, it’s unlikely another woman would, either.
Horton has been wanting to do this type of program for several years–and now she’s making it happen.
“I am hoping to get some donations [this Saturday] and start with the process this spring,” she remarked, adding her Scott Street location will be the place to go for women needing the work clothing.
Horton said the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope will be a support system for the program, although it won’t be the only agency she’ll work with.
“I think I am going to work it as a referral program through the women’s shelter resource program and NCDS,” she noted.
“I also want to get a hold of some other agencies like UNFC and DSSAB.”
Horton added the “Dress for Work” effort is taking the place of her annual prom dress drive.
For more info, call her at 270-6859.