Clear Out Your Closet: Drive Collecting Professional Wear for Military Veterans

Imagine a military veteran, returning to civilian life after years of serving her country. She’s ready to move into the business world, and she even has an interview lined up.

But what will she wear?

The organization Save a Suit exists to help out veterans in just such a situation, providing them with the professional attire, as well as the training and education, they might need after spending years in an environment with a different kind of dress code. And Drexel’s LeBow College of Business is helping out with that effort this fall.

In cooperation with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, LeBow College is collecting used suits and accessories for men and women returning from military service and entering the professional arena. The drive for Save a Suit runs from now until Nov. 5.

“If what you’ve been wearing for the last 8-10 years has been military fatigues, buying a suit might be not only an uncomfortable purchase, but a costly purchase as well,” said Donna Ferrari, a developmental adviser for the LeBow College who’s leading the drive at Drexel.

The drive began as a project of students at Wharton, but Drexel fit smoothly into the partnership, Ferrari said. Drexel has been named a “Military Friendly School” by the group Victory Media for five years running, thanks to its participation in the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon program and a number of programs and events related to veteran students.

“This was just a perfect fit for us,” Ferrari said.

In addition to men’s and women’s suits (jackets, pants, shirts, blouses and skirts), the drive will collect accessories including ties, scarves and pocketbooks. All items should be gently worn.

Donors can drop off items in Ferrari’s office, Room 448 in Gerri C. LeBow Hall, or in the URBN Center’s lobby or Suite 310.

Any questions about the drive can be directed to Ferrari, at donna.ferrari@drexel.edu or 215-895-4928.