NJCDC’s AmeriCorps Members Hold Clothing Drive to Honor Dr. King’s Legacy and Empower Women
Washington, D.C. – January 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — This Martin Luther King Day, NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members honored Dr. King’s legacy by holding a clothing drive benefitting over 75 Paterson families in need. Parents first participated in a workshop titled “Vision for Families” during which AmeriCorps members discussed living a healthy lifestyle, budgeting, and family activities for the winter months, while their children created family vision boards to reflect their dreams, inspirations, and goals.
Families then “shopped” at NJCDC’s headquarters for up to 30 free items each of ladies’ and girls’ clothing generously donated by a luxury brand designer that wishes to remain anonymous. More than 75 families “shopped” for free items including coats, suits, sweaters, blazers, dresses, skirts, pants, belts, and shoes.
Many Paterson women who attended the Winter Shopping Spree needed professional attire to help them get a new start and achieve financial stability. They were thrilled with the available clothing, which they felt would help them feel more comfortable on job interviews, and hopefully give them a better chance of getting the jobs they applied for. Attendees were also pleased with the section of children’s clothing. Many of the parents who attended needed new items for their children, who had outgrown their current clothing.
NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members felt the clothing drive was an ideal way to commemorate Martin Luther King Day, the only federal holiday designated as a day of service. AmeriCorps, the national service initiative created by Congress and President Clinton to “get things done” in communities throughout America, was NJCDC’s first program upon its founding in 1994. 22 years later, more than 500 members have given over 680,000 hours of service through the program.
New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is dedicated to creating opportunities to transform lives within the Great Falls Neighborhood of Paterson, NJ. NJCDC is a private, non-profit community development and social service agency focusing on youth development, education, affordable housing, and community and economic development. Founded in 1994, NJCDC serves over 2,000 children, teens and families daily, and strives to fulfill its vision that all 8,000 children living in the Great Falls neighborhood will reach adulthood college and career ready.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Valerie Trawinski, Communications & Events Associate
Tel: 973.413.1608
E-mail: vtrawinski (at) njcdc (dot) org
