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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 183-11
May 30, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, MAYOR'S OFFICE OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND NYC SERVICE LAUNCH PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE CLOTHING DRIVE FOR RETURNING SOLDIERS

Memorial Day Celebration Kicks-Off Clothing Drive for Veterans Seeking Employment

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs Terrance C. Holliday, and Chief Service Officer Diahann Billings-Burford today launched a professional attire clothing drive for veterans and returning service members seeking employment in honor of Memorial Day. In partnership with Veterans on Wall Street, an initiative dedicated to honoring former military personnel and employees currently serving in the National Guard and Reserves by facilitating career and business opportunities in the financial services industry, the City will place donation bins in Deutsche Bank, Citi, and Credit Suisse buildings, as well as the lobby of a number of City agencies, including City Hall, to collect new and gently used business attire. These items will be available for veterans in preparation for job interviews and career fairs. The clothing drive will run from May 31st to June 10th and again from July 5th to July 22nd to coincide with a multi-service career fairs hosted by the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs. To learn more about how to donate professional attire for veterans, visit www.nyc.gov.

"New York City has a special appreciation for the service men and women who have volunteered to defend our nation and we must ensure that we welcome them home with more than just words and medals," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Working with organizations like Veterans on Wall Street and Career Gear, we can help returning soldiers find a path to self-sufficiency. Providing business appropriate clothing to veterans looking to enter the workforce is just one small way we are showing our gratitude to those who have given their lives to defending our country and our freedoms."

"The men and women of our Armed Forces often face many challenges when they return," said Veterans Affairs Commissioner Holliday. "One of the most central objectives for many returning veterans is obtaining employment, and securing affordable business attire for interviews is the first step towards that goal."

"Supporting our troops at home and abroad is one way that we help or neighbors in need," said Chief Service Officer Billings-Burford. "NYC Service is committed to providing opportunities for New Yorkers to serve those that have served our country. I encourage New Yorkers to donate not only clothes, but also their time and energy as volunteers to help us in this effort."

"Veterans on Wall Street - VOWS - is a multi bank initiative, including Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Citi, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, dedicated to raising awareness about assisting veterans as they transition from military service to the civilian sector," said Ellen Gardner, a former naval officer and current employee of Deutsche Bank. "Many of the transitioning veterans need a new 'uniform' and VOWS is well positioned to gather suits, ties, and briefcases that can make a big difference to these men and women."

The items that will be collected include suits, blazers, ties, dress shirts, blouses, jackets, slacks and professional shoes for both men and women. These will be sorted with the help of volunteers from NYC Service and dry cleaning services will be provided by the Association of Dry Cleaners and Flat Rate Cleaners. The clothing will be housed at Veterans Memorial Hall where, Career Gear, a nonprofit organization that offers interview clothing and job counseling to men in need, will train volunteers how to determine which items should be used and how to best organize an interview clothing closet. Additional support will be provided by Macy's. 

In addition to the bins at financial institutions, donations also can be made at the following locations:

  • Department of Environment Protection, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, Queens
  • Human Resources Administration, 180 Water Street, Manhattan
  • Department of Youth and Community Development, 156 William Street, Manhattan
  • New York City Housing Authority, 250 Broadway, Manhattan
  • New York City Department of Information Telecommunications and Technology, 75 Park Place & 59 Maiden Lane, Manhattan
  • 1 Centre Street, Manhattan
  • 100 Gold Street, Manhattan
  • 253 Broadway, Manhattan
  • City Hall, Manhattan






MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Evelyn Erskine   (212) 788-2958



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