The Women in Business Committee of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. has established the Dress for Success, Workwear Program of Carbon County.

This initiative is being formed by the Women in Business Committee in conjunction with other area organizations including Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton. The CCEDC Women in Business will be accepting donations of suits, workwear, shoes, handbags and accessories beginning at their February luncheon on Thursday.

The program will begin providing women (and men) in need with professional attire for job interviews and specific clothing necessary for employment or training in the near future. The goal is to help empower these individuals to enter the workforce in style with confidence.

Guidelines for acceptable donations have been established. The Dress for Success, Workwear Program of Carbon County is accepting the following donations only:

Women’s/men’s business attire that meets the following criteria:

• Garments must be freshly washed and dried or laundered

• Garments must be on a hanger and pressed or laid flat

• Garments should have no visible stains or tears

• Garments should be gently worn items with life left in them

• Undergarments and hosiery will be accepted if they are new/unused

Jewelry, handbags, accessories are acceptable if they are not broken. Closed-toe professional shoes will also be accepted.

At this time, the program is not accepting casual clothing (such as jeans, sweats, hoodies, etc.). If you have other items to donate, contact Trinity Lutheran Church directly.

To best serve the participants as they transition into self-sufficiency and build a strong sense of self-worth, the group reserves the right to refuse donations that are not clean or otherwise appropriate.

A portion of the proceeds from the Carbon County Women in Business 2019 Luncheons and other events are benefiting the new program and may be expanded in the future.

Open donations can be made from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Thursday at the CCEDC Women in Business luncheon at Radical Wine Co. in Lehighton or by appointment only. Contact Alice Wanamaker atalicew@carboncountychamber.org or 484-274-2080 for more information.