Community Corner

Goodwill Offers Professional Outfits for Vets

In Memorial Day event, Goodwill asks for public to donate work clothes for returning vets.

For Memorial Day, Goodwill of New York and New Jersey is remembering members of the armed forces who have sacrificed so much for our country by helping veterans returning to the work force.

This Memorial Day weekend, Goodwill locations will provide a professional outfit to all veterans, past or present, who go to any of Goodwill’s 38 stores, show their military ID, and mention "Goodwill Suits Vets."  

Goodwill spokespeople said the offer was reflected the thousands of military men and women who return from abroad seek to re-join the workforce at home. Some lack clothes for work and interviews, or even a place to live. 

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“We are committed to being a hometown resource for veterans who have served our communities and preserved our freedom," Goodwill President and CEO William J. Forrester said in a press statement. "We want to support their transition to the workforce and civilian life. Professional or work clothing will help them put their best foot forward in their job search.”

Local officials urges residents to help give former members of the armed services an assist in the job market by donating clothes. 

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"A valuable, untapped resource is America's veterans," Springfield Township Committee member and retired Army Major Marc Krauss said. "By providing them professional attire, Goodwill is helping our vets return to the workforce. This a win-win for the veterans, Goodwill and the country."

Goodwill needs your help and asks that you donate professional clothing for men and women, including suits; suit jackets; dress pants and skirts, shirts and blouses, and shoes; ties; scarves; and accessories. Vets also need work clothes: khakis and casual shirts, jeans and sweaters, sneakers and uniforms. Springfield and Union County residents have multiple options for donations: in addition to the long-standing , a new .

By giving to Goodwill, anyone can help support our efforts to provide a broad selection of useful clothing to returning vets. Drop your donations at any of their 38 Goodwill stores or at DonationXpress, our Attended Donation Centers. Tax receipts are available upon request. Visit the Goodwill NY-NJ website to find the nearest store to you or print this flyer, which includes their locations.

In addition to supporting the troops, Goodwill provides affordable clothing for the public, operates job-generating programs for unemployed individuals, and works with economically-challenged populations including youth and people with emotional, mental and physical disabilities. 


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