Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell shows Wayde Rozniewski, Brockton Voluntary Services Assistant, the suits being donated through the “Suits for Success” program.
Dedham, MA – Recently Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated 20 men’s and women’s dress shirts, 20 men’s and women’s dress pants, and 10 full suits to the Brockton Veteran Affairs Medical Center 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.
“A donation like this means a lot to the VA, particularly because it’s ensuring the future of veterans who may not have the means to get a suit and gives them an opportunity to move forward and have a bright future as opposed to remaining stuck where they are,” said Wayde Rozniewski, Brockton Voluntary Services Assistant. “There are still a ton of good people left in this world who do care about veterans.”
The Brockton Veteran Affairs Medical Center provides essential services and support to veterans in need, including health care, social services, and housing, helping them to rebuild their lives and achieve success in all areas.
Register O’Donnell remarked, “We’re happy to assist the Brockton VA Medical Center. 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 VA Boston Healthcare System’s mission is to offer options for timely, quality services for Veterans through care and respect for their physical, psychological, and spiritual health.
Register O’Donnell noted, “We've learned over the last decade that programs like 'suits for success' work.” Register O’Donnell continued, “This program has given many people the confidence to take the next step in their lives, and if we can help even one veteran achieve this goal, it's worth it.”
The Brockton VA accepts clothing donations to help provide Veteran patients with things to make their hospitalization and outpatient treatment more pleasant, with the goal of helping to build strong and healthy communities.
“Some people may not realize that when it seems like someone doesn’t want to find work, it may actually be because they don’t feel sufficient or good enough to go out there and peruse a job, and maybe a suit like this could be that thing that helps them feel good about themselves and gives them the confidence to get that job,” said Rozniewski. “Donations like this from people mean the world to veterans who may feel like they have been forgotten.”
Since the Registry started the “Suits for Success” program in February 2009, it has collected more than 9,500 articles of clothing.
“If veterans are not spending the money on a suit because someone was kind enough to donate one, they can put that savings towards supporting their families, better securing a place to stay, or food; it’s one less expense that they would need to worry about,” said Rozniewski.
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.
“Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply showing gratitude and respect, we can all play a role in helping veterans reclaim their lives,” said Register O’Donnell. “I am honored to deliver these donations on behalf of the many people who contributed to the “Suits for Success” program and to be part of this effort to put these veterans on the path to success and ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency.”
Individuals interested in joining the VA’s Adult Volunteer Program can find more information at the VA Boston Health Care website at https://www.va.gov/boston-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate.