Brookline – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated 12 winter jackets, 10 full suits, and more than 45 other articles of business attire to United Parish’s Thrifty Threads through the "Suits for Success" program last month.

The often-taken-for-granted suit or dress clothes hidden away in the back closet and only occasionally seeing the light of day may seem to some like an unfortunate necessity. However, for those struggling on the path to success, the cost of a suit can be an unsurmountable barrier.

"It’s hard to move forward if you don’t feel good about yourself, and this gives people a chance to look good, feel good, and grow as an individual," said Louise Bowler, Thrifty Threads Team Leader.

 Thrifty Threads provides inexpensive clothing to anyone who needs quality attire. Proceeds from the thrift store support United Parish’s outreach and social justice programs. The organization also passes on more than half of the donations it receives to non-profit organizations working directly with people in need.

Register O’Donnell remarked, "We’re happy to assist Thrifty Threads. I thank all those who donated to our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation. The program is truly needed, and it’s a great resource for the community."

The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register O’Donnell, partners with groups like Father Bill's & MainSpring, Needham Community Council, Suits and Smiles, Interfaith Social Services, InnerCity Weightlifting, VA Boston Healthcare System, Voluntary Service Program, New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts, and United Parish’s Thrifty Threads. The mission of "Suits for Success" is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.

Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected more than 9,000 articles of clothing.

"Receiving donations like this means a lot and it’s important," said Bowler. "This may give someone who is looking for a job now the confidence they need to take the next step."

Thrifty Threads is located within United Parish, is open Fridays and Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and is fully operated by a team of dedicated volunteers.

"During the past decade, we have learned that programs like ‘Suits for Success’ work," said O’Donnell. "This program has given many people a valuable resource to help them on the path to success and may ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency."