Mens Wearhouse National Suit Drive held for fifth year

Despite assurances that the recession is supposedly over, there is still a much higher-than-normal unemployment rate. Some businesses are looking to do more than just hire people, as Men’s Wearhouse is holding the fifth annual National Suit Drive, which donates suits to the unemployed.

Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive wants people to suit up

Popular sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” features a break-out character named Barney Stinson, played by former “Doogie Howser, M.D.” star Neil Patrick Harris. Among other hijinks, Barney has a penchant for fine suits and admonishes other characters to “suit up!” and put a suit on. Men’s Wearhouse, a large purveyor of suits, also wants people to suit up and not just because it’s good for their bottom line.

In a response to the high unemployment rate, Men’s Wearhouse began a clothing drive several years ago, according to MarketWatch, seeking suit donations to help unemployed men dress their best. That way, they look good going into a job interview and ostensibly have an edge of looking sharp. The company insists hiring prospects will increase if a person likes the way they look. They guarantee it.

Dress to impress

The Well-Dressed Men survey, which was carried out by Men’s Wearhouse, found 67 percent of respondents believed men wearing suits were more confident and 55 percent believed they were more sophisticated.

The goal for this year’s drive is for Men’s Wearhouse stores, in conjunction with K and G Stores, Moore’s Clothing, Twin Hill and English retailers Alexandra and Dimensions, is to collect 110,00 pieces of clothing. According to Yahoo, the National Suit Drive accepts gently-used professional wear or any brand-new clothes one might wish to purchase and donate. Donations go to non-profit programs around various participating stores and are given to men and women that are undergoing counseling to help them re-enter the workforce, such as interview skill and resume-building training programs.

Several celebrities have already participated in the drive, such as Tyler Perry, creator of the “Madea” series of films, actress Amanda Seyfried and John Larroquette, former star of “Night Court.”

Runs until July 31

The drive lasts until July 31. To participate, interested parties just have to take donations to any Men’s Wearhouse or Men’s Wearhouse and Tux store and drop them off. According to WCTV, a CBS affiliate in Thomasville, Ga., a receipt will be given for the donation, which is tax-deductible. Men’s Wearhouse will also give the donor a 50 percent off coupon for their next purchase, whatever it might be, and will “match” the donation by throwing in two ties with every full suit donated to the cause.

Sources

MarketWatch

Yahoo

WCTV