Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell shows Beth Klein, 7-year volunteer for thrifty threads (left), and Amy Norton, United Parish associate pastor and staff liaison, the more than 100 articles of smart casual clothing and business attire donated through the “Suits for Success” program.
Brookline, MA – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated a car load of smart casual clothing and business attire totaling more than 100 articles of clothing to United Parish’s Thrifty Threads in Brookline through the “Suits for Success” program.
Some people may view the suit or dress clothes as an unfortunate necessity that are kept in the back of the closet and only brought out on rare occasions. However, the high price of a suit can be an insurmountable obstacle for those who are just starting out on the road to success.
“It’s wonderful to see a donation like this come into Thrifty Threads. It’s going to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Beth Klein, a 7-year volunteer for Thrifty Threads. “I believe that if people are able to come here and get something they need, then they can put that money they save to good use, like paying bills or childcare.”
Thrifty Threads provides 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.”
Thrifty Threads has been serving Brookline and surrounding communities in Greater Boston since 1993. They offer quality clothing and housewares at low prices.
“Our volunteers understand that this is so much more than just providing clothing at an affordable price,” said Amy Norton, United Parish associate pastor and staff liaison. “It’s also about treating people with dignity and showing them that people do care, especially during a time when people can feel so isolated.”
Since the Registry started the “Suits for Success” program in February 2009, it has collected more than 10,000 articles of clothing.
“We support several programs that help individuals prepare for interviews by providing business attire.” Klein continued, “Rising someone’s confidence can make a big difference and let them know that there is a whole chain of people, from those who donate to individuals collecting donations to the volunteers at Thrift Threads, who want to see them succeed.”
The “Suits for Success” program, developed by Register O’Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, and InnerCity Weightlifting on our ‘Suits for Success’ program to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. 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.
“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.”
Thrifty Threads is located within United Parish in Brookline, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and is fully operated by a team of dedicated volunteers.