Quincy, MA – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated a carload of smart casual clothing and business attire totaling more than 150 articles of clothing to Interfaith Social Services’ the Bureau Drawer thrift shop in Quincy through the “Suits for Success” program.
For many people, it is common to have a section in their closet that is reserved for seldom-used clothes. Some may have updated their wardrobe or are working from home and no longer use the same amount of business attire. These seldom-used clothes can find a new purpose and have a dynamic impact on someone’s life. They can be provided for free to those in need, sold at a lower price for individuals on a budget, or used to raise money for community aid projects.
“It is awesome knowing that these donations have come in from people all across Norfolk County,” said Rick Doane, Interfaith Social Services Executive Director. “A donation like this helps support our mission and the food pantry.”
With the support of the local community, the Bureau Drawer has been providing quality clothing and household goods to those in need since 1975. In addition, the Interfaith Social Services Career Closet provides free business attire to individuals with job interviews, internships, or those returning to the workplace who need formal clothing but may not have the funds available.
Register O’Donnell remarked, “We’re happy to assist Interfaith Social Services, the Bureau Drawer. 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 mission of Interfaith Social Services is to provide South Shore residents with the resources necessary to support a healthy and fulfilling life. They focus on alleviating hunger, providing mental health counseling, preventing homelessness, and bringing joy to children.
“Programs like Interfaith Social Services Career Closet and our own “Suits for Success” have given many people a valuable resource to help them on the path to success,” said O’Donnell. “These programs not only provide appropriate attire for interviews, but they also help boost confidence and increase the chances of an individual securing an employment opportunity.”
All the proceeds from the Bureau Drawer go to the food pantry, mental health counseling, homelessness prevention, and backpacks filled with supplies for children. In 2022, Interfaith Social Services distributed 1,092,815 pounds of food to families in need.
“Donations from organizations and individuals allow us to prove inexpensive good quality clothing and access to healthy food through the food pantry all in the same place,” said Doane.
Since the Registry started the “Suits for Success” program in February 2009, it has collected more than 12,000 articles of clothing.
“I am proud that the “Suits for Success” program and its partnership with numerous local community support organizations have been able to provide support for so many,” said O’Donnell. “It is rewarding just to help others in our community who are less fortunate.”
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, Needham community council, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, InnerCity Weightlifting, New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole, and The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity of Boston. The mission of “Suits for Success” is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals and nonprofit organizations 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. “Professional attire is not just clothing, it is a valuable resource and represents an opportunity that can aid individuals on the path to success and ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency. Also there are individuals that do not have clothing for an event like a wedding or a funeral which is something many of us take for granted.”
The Bureau Drawer thrift shop is located at 105 Adams Street in Quincy and is open Monday 12:30 PM—3:30 PM, Tuesday 12:30 PM—7:00PM, and Wednesday through Friday 12:30 PM—3:30 PM.