EVERETT — More than 900 times last year, the YWCA of Snohomish County helped women prepare wardrobes for work.
Volunteers assist women who are preparing for a new job or a job interview, said Vicki Von Stubbe, a YWCA community affairs coordinator.
The Women’s Working Wardrobe program started at a local domestic violence shelter in the 1990s and grew from there. More than 9,000 items were distributed in 2015, and volunteers donated 1,886 hours.
Most of the volunteers are from the nonprofit Mill Creek Women’s Club.
“We would not be able to operate this program without them,” Von Stubbe said. “They run the show. They sort through all of the donations we get. They put them on hangers. They put them in the area and then when the clients come, they are there to help them find different clothing items and different sizes and help them put outfits together and encourage the clients and be there to help them feel good about themselves.”
Von Stubbe saves thank-you notes from clients. One woman recently thanked the volunteers for helping her look professional, which boosted her self-confidence.
A few years ago, another woman wrote, “You made me feel valued, important, cared about, and like I had something to give while you were the ones doing the giving.”
Nancy Knox helps organize the Mill Creek volunteers. The women’s club has supported the YWCA for more than 20 years, she said. Many of the clients have faced difficult situations, including homelessness, addiction and incarceration. Some are adjusting to civilian life after the military. Every story is different.
The volunteers try to make them feel like they’re at a boutique, Knox said.
“The ladies can look very nice when they go out on their interviews,” she said. “Sometimes these ladies have not had any new clothing for a long time. We try to make the experience very positive for them. We like people to leave with a big smile on their face.”
Donations always are needed for current and seasonal work-appropriate clothing and accessories. Unused makeup and other personal care items also are accepted. Volunteers can work with clients or behind the scenes.
Also accepted are department store shopping bags, which can be dropped off at the YWCA at 3301 Broadway in Everett. For more information about the program, contact Vicki Von Stubbe at 425.258.2766 ext. 150 or vvonstubbe@ywcaworks.org.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
YWCA toiletry drive
The YWCA seeks donations of hygiene supplies in preparation for this year’s Project Homeless Connect. Needed are full-size containers of body wash, 2-in-1 shampoo with conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths and shaving razors. Drop off donations by June 16 to YWCA Everett Regional Center, 3301 Broadway, or YWCA Pathways for Women, 6027 208th St. SW in Lynnwood.
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