From Sept. 10-24, Young Adult Professionals teamed with Combined Community Services, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and many area businesses to collect professional attire that will be passed along to people entering the workforce.

“We have people graduating from college,” says Stephen Possell, executive director at Combined Community Services. “They just don’t have business-type clothes.”

“A lot of the Hand Up clients are looking for jobs,” adds Director of Self Sufficiency at CCS, Tammy Smith.

Smith recounts the story of a young girl who finished up a medical and landed an externship that required a professional wardrobe. She went from wearing scrubs and casual clothes to wearing business attire in an office setting. CCS and YAP were able to help her out.

Last year’s drive collected approximately 2,000 pounds of professional clothing, including suits, ties, jackets, dress pants, skirts, belts and shoes. Organizers estimate that even more was collected this year.

Donations were sorted this afternoon. Those in need of professional attire should contact CCS at (574) 267-6311 or visit the office at 1195 Mariners Drive in Warsaw.