Liberty Bank Holds Clothing Drive to Benefit Dress for Success, Suit Up Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of November, Liberty Bank is coordinating a clothing drive throughout Springfield to benefit Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) and Suit Up Springfield, two organizations that provide professional attire to low-income people who need it for interviews and work.

Liberty Bank is partnering with several local businesses to make the clothing drive a success. AM Lithography donated collection boxes, and the Springfield Business Improvement District, led by Michelle Grout, will maintain the boxes during the collection. The Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place management team will promote the drive throughout the building and on the marquee.

The following businesses will serve as collection sites: 1350 Main Street, Jacintos, Monarch Place, Nosh Café and Restaurant, Overland Lofts, and Tower Square. Community members are invited to donate business attire and accessories at these locations. Donated clothing should be new or gently used and freshly dry-cleaned or laundered. The organizations are seeking suits, business dresses, pants, blazers, and other professional apparel, as well as shoes, boots, coats, and accessories such as ties, handbags, and jewelry.

This year, at both DFSWM and Suit Up Springfield, volunteers will suit more than 300 individuals with a free interview outfit matching their field of interest, body type, and style, while also providing a confidence boost.

“We are grateful to Liberty Bank for their second annual clothing drive and to the other community businesses that have stepped forward to make it a great success,” DFSWM Executive Director Jess Roncarati-Howe said. “Proper interview apparel can be a real barrier to low-income individuals, especially if they have been out of the workforce for an extended period or are in transition with housing. The work of our two organizations is about more than just interview outfits — it’s about empowering people to become independent and successful members of our community.”