by KYW's Hadas Kuznits
The volunteers who work with The Career Wardrobe, a Philadelphia-based charity that helps outfit unemployed women for job interviews, is feeling the pinch of the stumbling economy.
Heather Bennett, program and marketing manager for The Career Wardrobe, says that as the economy puts more people out of work, her organization has been getting busier:
"Since July, we've seen a 40 percent increase of women coming in and needing our assistance."
Career Wardrobe clients says it's a lifesaver when you're trying to get back on your feet, but don't have the means to do so:
"A new outfit and a new handbag give you motivation and inspiration to get out there and get back out there in the working world and do what you gotta do."
And for some, it's especially hard to find work:
"I'm actually a felon. I was arrested on drug charges and I was living in a halfway house. And they hooked us up with The Career Wardrobe, and that's how we got here."
The clients say The Career Wardrobe is a huge help with their interview and work attire -- and with the confidence that the correct business attire gives them.
Bennett says that even as her organization has seen that 40 percent increase in those coming to them for help since this past summer, donations have remained constant.
She says if you have professional clothes to give away, they'll take them:
"Especially in the plus sizes, and shoes size 9 and up."
For more information go to www.careerwardrobe.org.
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