April 01, 2025
Blog post by student Rosmery Espinoza '26:
At Cardinal Closet, we're turning forgotten professional wear into opportunities for both students and the environment. Picture yourself walking into your dream job interview, feeling confident and ready to impress. Now, think about not having the right outfit to match your ambition. That's where you come in!
Why does it matter?
Why Your Old Suit Could Save More Than Just a Student's Interview
Wearing the right outfit can open doors to new opportunities. But for a lot of students, professional attire is just too expensive. Cardinal Closet helps by giving students the business wear they need to nail interviews, internships, and career fairs. Your donation can help make their career dreams come true. When students look the part, they feel more confident and capable. This confidence can be the key to making a great first impression and getting opportunities that come their way. Join us in making a difference. Your contribution can transform a student's life, helping them step into their future with confidence and pride. Together, we can make sure that no student is left behind due to a lack of professional attire.
What We're Collecting
We're looking for clean, gently used business attire suitable for interviews and professional settings. Here's what we need:
● Suits (matching sets or separates)
● Dress shirts and blouses
● Slacks and skirts
● Professional dresses
● Ties and scarves
● Belts and other accessories
Please make sure all items are in good condition, free from stains, tears, or excessive wear.
The Impact of Your Donation
When you donate professional clothing, you are giving students more than just something to wear. You're giving them the ability to walk into any room from job interviews to networking events and focus on what matters: their skills and potential. Professional attire makes a difference. A properly fitted suit or dress can transform how a student carries themselves, turning their nerves into confidence. It's hard to focus on sharing your ideas when you're worried about whether your outfit looks out of place.
These clothes get a second life instead of sitting unused in closets or ending up in landfills. It's a simple way to support both students and sustainable practices.Your donations help level the playing field. They ensure that every student, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the professional wardrobe they need to succeed. When students look professional, they feel professional.
How and Where to Donate
Donating is super easy! Just drop off your items at one of our designated donation bins located on campus.
Dates: March 17 - 23
Drop of locations:
- Pryzbyla Center
- The Busch Business School
- Garvey Hall
- CACS Center
Sustainability Matters: Give Clothes a Second Life
Think about it: Every piece of clothing that finds a new home is one less item in a landfill. One less reason for fast fashion. One more step toward a greener campus. When you donate your gently used professional clothing, you're not just helping a student dress for success, you're also helping Catholic University walk the walk when it comes to sustainability. So before you think about tossing that perfectly good dress or
those barely worn dress shoes, consider giving them a second chance. Because sometimes, the most sustainable solution is also the one that helps someone land their dream job. Want to know more about how your donations fit into Catholic University's bigger environmental picture? Check out our
sustainability initiatives. Let's build a greener future, one donated suit at a time.
The clothes at the Cardinal Closet are organized by apparel type, making it easier to browse.
Keep in Touch & Share the News!
Curious about how your donations are making a difference? Follow Cardinal Closet on Instagram. We’ll be posting success stories, updates on donations, and other ways you can keep supporting students.