Backus staffer wants to help women dress for success
Dressing for success isn’t always easy or affordable. Dena Whatley is hoping to make it easier for women who otherwise might not be able to afford it to buy work apparel.
“Clothes are so expensive, often people can’t afford to dress the way they would like to for work,” said Ms.Whatley, an administrative assistant in Patient Care Services at Backus Hospital.
She is organizing a business apparel drive to benefit local women and to recognize Administrative ProfessionalsWeek. The event will be Sunday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
in the Chelsearose Ballroom at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. Rodney Green has donated the use of the room. People can make donations as well as buy items to benefit the cause. Clothing will be collected fromMarch 15-25. Items can be dropped off atWestgate Cleaners, 456 West Main St., Norwich. Backus employees can drop items off atMs.Whatley’s office.
Westgate Cleaners has offered to dry clean the clothes. Cosmetology students from Norwich Technical High School will be at the event to offer hair and make-up tips, and The Dress Barn will hold a fashion show.
Kathy Allen, program coordinator at Thames River Family Program, saidMs.Whatley had contacted her about the program, which will benefit women in the family program. Thames
River Family Program is a supportive community for mothers and their children who were homeless. The program provides an apartment, life skills trainings and meetings to encourage employment and self-sufficiency. Thames River Place in Norwich houses 24 women and their children.
“One of the goals of our program is to help people prepare for employment, so to have clothing to wear to work is a great benefit,”Ms. Allen said. “Anytime people show an interest in our families it is great; they have been through so much.”
No item will cost more than $25. Clients from the program will receive vouchers. The sale also will be open to the public.
Clothes for a cause
What: A business apparel drive to benefit local women and to recognize Administrative Professionals Week.
When: April 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Clothing will be collected from March 15-25).
Where: Chelsearose Ball Room, Holiday Inn, 10 Laura Blvd., Norwich, CT (Clothing will be collected atWestgate Cleaners, 456 West Main St., Norwich and Norwich Technical High School, 7 Mahan Drive, Norwich CT.)
For more information: To make a donation or for further information, call Ms.Whatley at 823-6378.