Peter Schorsch
The popular ride-booking app Uber is teaming up with Volunteer Florida to help provide gently-used professional attire for unemployed or underemployed Floridians looking for a leg up when it comes to job interviews.
The groups announced the new initiative – dubbed “#SuitsForSession” – in partnership with Dress For Success Tallahassee, Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend Inc., the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services.
The well-dressed denizens of the Florida Capitol are encouraged to drop off surplus suits, dresses, and shoes from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the Third Floor Rotunda. For those unable to make it to the Capitol, Uber will help facilitate donations by offering pick-up services to anyone in downtown Tallahassee who wishes to contribute.
“#SuitsForSession is an example of the state, the private sector, and nonprofits working together to make a difference in the lives of Floridians,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman. “The Florida Capitol is an incredibly busy place during Session, and we can’t think of a better opportunity to collect professional attire for those in need. Volunteer Florida is proud to partner with Uber to make it convenient for individuals to donate gently worn professional attire.”
Matt Gore, Uber’s Florida General Manager, concurred: “Both Uber and Volunteer Florida strive to make a meaningful impact on local communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of the Capitol service project to make donating easy and convenient for Uber users.”
Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism, will also collect donations from participating state agencies for the March 1 initiative.
The program drew praise from Attorney General Pam Bondi, CFO Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor, Florida Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle, Dress for Success Tallahassee President Grace Grindler, and Goodwill Industries-Big Bend CEO Fred Shelfer in statements on Monday.
“The lack of access to proper business attire can be an obstacle for so many individuals seeking employment,” Shelfer said. “We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with Volunteer Florida and Uber to give those men and women a way to overcome that barrier and achieve success.”
Contributors may opt-in for a receipt request from Volunteer Florida if they wish to deduct donations for tax purposes.
