Clothing drop-off event a boost to growing career closet

For many Purdue Fort Wayne students, the first time they step into the Mastodon Career Closet can be a big surprise. Most have no idea the amount of professional clothing the closet offers, and that they can get one free outfit per semester.

Knowing the closet’s impact, staff members in the Career Development Center were delighted Friday afternoon as they spent three hours collecting drop-off donations outside Kettler Hall. Some bags were left even before the 11 a.m. start. Dozens of items were received from campus employees and those community members who learned about the opportunity through social media.

Spring cleaning never felt so satisfying.

“I get extra space in my closet from clothes I used in a prior position,” said Gail Lugo, administrative assistant for Student Life, “and I’m glad they’ll be used for helping our students start or further their careers.”

Some are reluctant to sign up for an appointment on Handshake, but quickly realize the store racks full of donated clothes can benefit them.

Melody Monday, career counselor in the Career Development Center and coordinator of the closet, which is located in Neff Hall, Room 361, said the students’ outlook quickly changes.

“You can see the difference,” Monday said. “I’ve watched them put on a blazer and feel so much more confident and look so much better. It’s amazing! I love my job.”

Some clothing offered in the closet is new, and some is well-loved, but it is a godsend for students with limited resources as the approach interviews, internships, job fairs, or even new employment. Monday, who has been in charge of the closet for four years, thrives on helping students make outfit choices that make them feel and look smart, and often uses donated funds to fill in on items that may be lacking, such as socks, belts, purses, and wallets.

There’s always a need for more men’s and women’s shoes, blazers for males and females, and ties.

Clothing is acquired mostly through faculty and staff donations, grant money from the Student Government Association, and the center’s Day of Giving focus. The center also has a donation box, and Monday makes pickups initiated by emails to [email protected].

After gradually increasing over the previous three years, Monday said closet usage by students tripled this academic year.

A major boost has been new student orientation presentations by Monday and Tracey Hanton, associate director of the Career Development Center. The closet also hosts open houses at the start of each semester, which recently have included students lined up in the hallway waiting for their turn.