Men's Wearhouse suits up for the unemployed

HOUSTON For the seond year in a row, Men's Wearhouse will provide unemployed men with professional attire through its National Suit Drive, Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, the retailer announced.

Men's Wearhouse said that it is working with more than 200 local non-profit organizations throughout the country to collect thousands of articles of professional attire to be used by individuals looking to re-enter the work force. In addition, Men's Wearhouse will donate one tie for every suit donated to help complete the outfit.

All 1,065 Men's Wearhouse and Men's Wearhouse & Tux locations will serve as drop-off sites for gently used suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes that will be used to benefit men in need of these items to transition into the work force.

"It became apparent many years ago that there was a long-standing need to help men who are striving for self-sufficiency," said George Zimmer, CEO and chairman of Men's Wearhouse. "We started a Merchandise Donation Program to provide professional clothing to nonprofit organizations serving these men. However, our program could not meet the demand, so we implemented the National Suit Drive to assist us in our efforts to help less fortunate men by giving them a renewed sense of dignity and respect. Philanthropy is a major part of our corporate fabric and given the economic-climate, this year's National Suit Drive is more important than ever."

Last year, the inaugural suit drive garnered 125,000 professional items over a two-month period, Men's Wearhouse reported. This year, the company has set a goal of 150,000 items despite the economic downturn and its shortened duration this year.