There's a saying that I came across:
"You give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. You teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime."
Now, before I continue, I want to tell a quick story. Seriously, a really quick one. A Facebook friend of mine made a status complaining about the amount of money coming out of his paycheck. He was mad that he was being "forced" to pay for welfare and foodstamps. I responded, agreeing with his statement but countering with the point that there are in fact some people in this country that cannot make ends meet and need the assistance, even if it's just for awhile. He then responded by saying that, "McDonald's is always hiring."
If said friend thinks 40 hours a week at McDonald's is enough to live off of, I'm ashamed to say we attend the same college. And that he probably gets better grades than me. However, this story reminded me that people who don't make much money and are trying to make a better living for themselves probably don't have much money to spend for interview clothes. This brings me back to the quote you read above. With that said; Professional Outfitters feeds people for a lifetime.
Even though this specific organization is local to me (Beaver County), I felt that it was too cool not to share with you all. Basically what they do is take gently used dress clothes and sell them (nearly dirt cheap) to low-income people that need interview and career clothing. Additionally, Professional Outfitters gives people a crash course in interview etiquette. Since I think that this is an absolutely amazing cause, I've decided to start a clothing drive for them. I just posted to Facebook about two days ago, so hopefully it will generate some responses soon.
Click here to see their website. For anyone reading this who is local to Beaver County and wants to make a donation, the address is listed there. It also gives a more detailed description about what they do. You probably never knew that your size-too-small dress pants could make such an impact on someone, did you? Wish me luck on my hunt for clothing. I'll keep you updated on how much I collect.
There are agencies in Pittsburgh (and elsewhere) that also do this. It's a good charity to highlight.
ReplyDeleteI think what most people fail to realize is that most of us are one health crisis away from bankuptcy. Do people abuse the system? Yes. But, we need them to be in place, because most of us need a hand at some point. Those who don't are truly blessed.
Dr C
Okay. Thanks for the information. I'm doing a follow up post on this and I'll try to include some of the other places that do the same work. As far as people genuinely needing help, I know. I was so irritated with his comment. On top of that his parents are very rich and he's never had to pay for anything in his entire life. Bet he hates those damn democrats. Lol
ReplyDeleteI truely enjoyed reading your post. I like to see people such as yourself who realize that there are people who truely do struggle and need help. The economy isn't getting any better it is only getting worse. I hope your friend don't ever have to experience hard times and need a helping hand from DPW (Department of Public Welfare). I've heard of Professional Outfitters but never knew what it was. To be honest with you, I thought it was a high priced clothing store. I am so impressed with your post that I am willing to donate some of my dress clothes that I can no longer fit. I attend the New Kensington campus and would like to know how I can get these clothes to you?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karsten! And I'm very glad it inspired you to do so... I guess the best way would be to somehow get the clothes to Penn State Beaver, or directly to me. I will let you know if I'm ever going up to New Kensington, but I doubt that will happen in the near future. If you can't get it to me, check out some local charities in your community! Also, I didn't see your "Peer Evalution" on the message board yet. Don't forget that's due Sunday night. Just a heads up. Thanks again for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI am assuming that your friend from Facebook is upset with the people who abuse their foodstamps and also welfare. But I do believe there are people who really need this and truly try their hardest to provide for their family. It is one thing to have people in Third World countries starving but its another when it is in our own country. I am always denoting my clothes because there are people that need the clothes more than I do. Overall I enjoy your blog and I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteNo new posts?
ReplyDeleteDr C
Thank you Kelsey. I got a bunch of clothes to take down to Professional Outfitters. I'm gonna post a picture of how much I was able to take in!
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