Clothes make the woman Clothes make the woman (May 07, 2004)

Suit Drive will put clothes to good use with Wardrobe for Opportunity
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Loretta Beene went through a series of rough patches in her life - her young son battled with brain cancer and then she was evicted by her Oakland landlord.

She lived with family and friends, and finally made a contact with the Alameda Point Collaborative, which found her an apartment. It also put her in touch with Wardrobe for Opportunity, which helped her dress like a professional.

"I love dressing for success," said Beene, who now works in an office. "My son tells me how pretty I look in my blazers."

Wardrobe for Opportunity is a nonprofit group that provides limited-income women with the clothes to find a job, plus other services that give them the self-confidence and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Pleasanton resident Penny Bartels and other Windermere Real Estate agents are collecting clothes for the organization, which has helped more than 8,000 women join the professional workplace since 1996 through its outlets in Oakland and Walnut Creek. Bartels feels that women in Pleasanton have clothes to give but may find it difficult to bring them to San Ramon, the nearest collection point.

A similar Pleasanton drive was held five or six years ago at Club Sport, Bartels recalled, and the group was overwhelmed by the clothing donated from Pleasanton.

"We are looking for new or good condition, current-fashion business suits on hangers," said Bartels. Wardrobe for Opportunity is starting to work with men, too, so men's suits, dress shirts and polo shirts would also be appreciated, especially in men's large sizes.

"We want people to open their hearts and their closets," said Bartels, noting that many people are spring-cleaning. "It's tax-deductible and we will have receipts available."

The Suit Drive is taking place May 1-15 with drop-off at Windermere Real Estate, 4309 Hacienda Drive, Suite 150; call 469-5000. Bartels said she is willing to pick up clothes if people cannot drop them off during working hours; call her at 469-5065.

She will also be collecting clothing from 10 a.m.-noon the last day of the drive at her home, 1611 Orchard Way, near the Aquatic Center. "I will open up my garage," she said, explaining that she wants to give everyone the chance to help others get the boost they need to dress for success, and thereby find success.

For more information on Wardrobe for Opportunity, call 935-2146 or visit www.wardrobe.org.

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