Army Community Service staff collects clothing for job-seeking clients

By Mrs. Michelle Kennedy (Drum)January 24, 2013

usa image
Mandy Thompson, Employment Readiness Program manager, folds a blazer Friday. The program is currently holding a business attire drive to collect professional outfits for their clients. Donations can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Having a professional resume and portfolio prepared are just two things people should think about when preparing for a job interview.

Dressing appropriately can help interviewees show potential employers that they are not only qualified, but also are professional, according to Mandy Thompson, Employment Readiness Program manager.

Thompson and her staff are collecting gently used business clothing and accessories to provide to spouses, veterans and Soldiers preparing to separate from the military who need a professional outfit to wear to job interviews.

"Right now, we're (sponsoring) a business attire drive to fill our closet," Thompson said.

Employment Readiness Program staff began collecting business attire last fall when they teamed up to help with the Outreach Program's winter clothing drive.

However, the organization still needs more clothing, Thompson said.

"We're looking for professional attire for women and men in all sizes. We'd like to have a closet (for those who) need an outfit to interview in and get them started," she said. "We'd like to have that for them, even if they need just a blazer or a pair of pants."

"They don't need to give (the items) back to us," Thompson continued. "The idea is once they're working, they can donate something back (to the closet)."

Donations may be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Army Community Service, 4330 Conway Road.

Thompson added that she hopes to fill the business attire closet for an upcoming class that the Employment Readiness and Relocation Readiness program staffs are organizing. "Dress for Success and to Impress for Less" will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 7 at Army Community Service.

During the class, instructors will show those in attendance how to put together professional outfits to wear to job interviews and how to use accessories. They will also share interviewing tips.

The Employment Readiness Program offers a variety of classes to prepare the Fort Drum community future employment. Some of the services the organization offers include resume writing and business networking workshops, and classes to prepare people for job interviews.

For more information about the program or to register for upcoming classes, call 772-9611 / 2737 / 1090.