Group collects clothing for student job seekers

Anyone heading out to a job interview wants to look their best to make a good impression but so some, owning a professional outfit can be a challenge.

But a group at Ozarks Technical Community College is trying to assist those in need of professional clothing with a drive to collect suits, dressing shirts, dresses and blouses.

The student chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals conducted its on-campus clothing drive last week at the spring student picnic and now is asking the community to contribute as well to restock its Community Clothing Closet.

“People have been great,” said Gail Garton, lead online instructor for business who has been helping oversee the clothing drive for a number of years. “We have some students who dont have the funds to buy good clothes for a job interview. The demand for the clothes has really increased.”

The clothing helps students be proud and confident going into the interview or other career-advancing event like a job fair. It’s a primary resource for some of the students who get the appropriate clothing they need and the service is free.

Students can cull through the clothing collection that is kept in a large storage room. There they can privately pick what they need. The group has also collected unworn clothing from local businesses as well as gift certificates for free hair grooming.

Sadie Hoper, from the college’s financial aid office and one of the drives coordinators, said the closet tends to run out of things.

“We thought we’d have a drive to replenish the closet. There are a lot of students who are in need. They want to dress and look nice for an interview,” she said.

Melanie Allen, another coordinator, said shes had good response from local businesses.

“I’ve gotten gift certificates for haircuts and several businesses have given up brand-new clothing, no questions asked. That’s so nice of them to do,” she said.

If you have appropriate business attire including suits, ties, belts, handbags, briefcases, shoes, all-season coats, skirts or shirts to donate, contact Hoper at hoppers@otc.edu or Garton at gartong@otc.edu.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of media relations for Ozarks Technical Community College.