#GIVEASUIT, Change a Life: Men's Wearhouse July clothing drive!

It's become an annual tradition with me: shortly after I install and turn on the air conditioner, I do at least a little rearranging and a whole lot of closet cleaning. 'Tis the season.

Knowing that a) I've been wanting to buy a new suit, and b) that I had an ill-fitting old one I was willing to part with, a Men's Wearhouse advert caught my attention over the weekend, highlighting that July would be their tenth annual charity National Suit Drive. What timing!

 
In addition to suits, all 750+ of the chain's locations across the country will be accepting the following gently-used office-friendly articles of clothing until the end of the month:

- Suits

- Vests

- Sweaters

- Sport Coats

- Dress Shirts

- Dress Shoes

- Casual Pants

- Ties + Accessories
- Jackets + Outerwear
- Women's Professional Attire

Yup, you read that right: MEN's Wearhouse is also accepting women's clothing!

All of the items gathered will be sorted based on quality and then distributed based on need to about 170 non-profits nationwide, each of which help provide people with the skills to transition into the workforce.

As they state in their press release about the campaign:

"Wearing the right suit not only enhances your outer appearance, it boosts your mindset as well," said Joseph Abboud, award-winning designer and Chief Creative Director of Tailored Brands, Inc. "That's what the National Suit Drive is about – helping people get that boost to feel their best, secure the job, and fulfill their dreams." 

After doing a thorough browse through my closet and armoire, I've decided to part with one suit, one pair of dress shoes, four shirts, sixteen ties, and a belt. That's twenty-three toward their goal of 275,000 items. Maybe you can help continue the countdown from 274,977?

On top of the warm and fuzzies you'll get from knowing that your spiffy threads might help someone in need get a foothold in the working world, you'll also receive a coupon good for 50% off your next regularly priced purchase (with some restrictions, of course) from the Wearhouse. I wonder where I'm buying that new suit I've been thinking about?

Over the next few weeks, I hope you'll take some time to scan your own wardrobe for any unwanted professional duds that you might be able to donate. If you do, they're asking you to help spread the word by tagging @menswearhouse and using the hashtag #giveasuit.

As always, thanks for reading--and for all the little things you do to help change the world!