Banana Republic in partnership to donate new clothing to Americans in need
Banana Republic is teaming up with a nonprofit that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support Americans affected by poverty and tragedy.
In partnership with Delivering Good, the apparel retailer, a division of Gap Inc., is donating more than $20 million of new clothing to those in need, including millions of unemployed Americans who need support getting back to work and getting back on their feet.
"Among our network of more than 700 community partners, we will focus this donation on nonprofits with workforce training and re-entry programs and markets that have been especially affected by the current crises,” said Lisa Gurwitch, president and CEO, Delivering Good, which unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support Americans affected by poverty and tragedy. “This donation will have such a positive impact on men, women and disadvantaged young adults."
Banana Republic will donate the clothing to a variety of Deliverying Good partner organizations in states that have been most impacted, including Hour Working Women Program in New York, Central City Neighborhood Partners in Los Angeles, Family Focus Englewood in Chicago, among others.
"During this unique moment in history, it's more necessary than ever to work together to support one another, especially those in need," said Mark Breitbard, head of Banana Republic and Gap Inc. specialty brands. "As America faces historic unemployment rates, Banana Republic will work for a better republic, helping Americans get back to work by providing confidence through clothing they can wear for interviews and in different work environments, including working from home."
This donation is the latest in Banana Republic's ongoing efforts to support its communities and be the change, together. Banana Republic, along with Gap Inc. brands Athleta, Gap and Old Navy, have come together to donate $250,000 to support the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and EmbraceRace to fight for equal rights.
The Gap Foundation also previously announced a $1 million donation to local, state, national and international non-profit organizations to support underserved families during the coronavirus crisis.
In addition, Gap Inc. has leveraged its supply chain to connect hospital networks with millions of critical personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers in response to COVID-19. Banana Republic's first reusable face mask was sold in benefit to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund.
“This is just the beginning of how the brand Will Work for a Better Republic and is dedicated to doing more than selling clothe,” the retailer stated.