Dress Barn Wants to Help Women Suit Up for Success

at will participate in "Send One Suit Weekend," a national program aimed at giving women in need a proper outfit to wear when they go out on job interviews. 

The ninth annual clothing donation program will run Feb. 24-27, with drop-off sites at over 825 Dress Barn locations across the country. 

The retailer has teamed up with Dress for Success, an international non-profit organization that supports female economic independence, to collect articles of professional attire, which in turn will be donated to women looking to gain a job or who are trying to re-entering the workforce.

 “‘Send One Suit’ weekend encourages our customers to donate a suit or any professional clothing that can be used by someone less fortunate who is working to better her life," said Vivian Behrens, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Dress Barn. "The last thing a woman should have to worry about during a job search is whether her wardrobe will prevent her from being seriously considered for employment.”

 Last year, the store's “Send One Suit Weekend” clothing drive yielded more than 43,000 professional items of clothing in four days.  The  items were distributed to more than 70 Dress for Success affiliates throughout the U.S. 

This year, the company is looking to attract more than 50,000 items of gently worn professional attire.

 Behrens said in a news release that the program helps give women the confidence to seek jobs.

Shoppers can go to Dress Barn Feb. 24-26 to drop off gently used suits, dresses, skirts, slacks, blouses, belts and shoes that will be used to benefit low-income women who are looking for employment. 

The store will offer donors an additional savings of 15 percent off  a total purchase in gratitude for their generosity. For a complete list of locations and acceptable items, visit the Dress Barn website.