Monthly E-News: Common Threads                                                                    April 2016
A Note from our Executive Director 
Barbara Truncellito
 
"Your mother would approve"
 
A tag line from our 10th Annual UNDIE campaign. Think about it. In the richest country in the world, we are serving the neediest in America with the basics--socks and underwear. And we're happy to do it.
 
When I think of the brutal winters in the Northeast and Midwest, I remember Dignity U Wear was able to provide warm socks. I smile when I think about the clothing closets where we provide for School Children and remember how many kids are reluctant to attend physical education classes because they have ripped underwear. Women preparing for a job interview are not only given a new dress but also proper fitting undergarments to assure the outfit fits her well. 
 
When I think of all the Veterans who benefit from our Suits for Soldiers program, I know they receive socks and underwear. But homeless vets - well, that's a whole story that we all need to address. In my heart, I know Dignity U Wear is doing its part by providing new underwear and socks.

Consider a donation to help with the operations of our warehouse. It is here that the product is received, sorted and sent out to vetted agency partners on a national basis.

"I know what it is to be without food and clothing. I want to help other people so they never know that pain." - Henri Landwirth, Dignity U Wear Founder

Your mother would approve.
Barbara Truncellito
Spring Break Service  
DUW Warehouse Welcomes Local/ National Student Groups

We LOVE Spring Break.
 
Each spring, Dignity U Wear hosts students from high schools and colleges looking to give back to the community during the holiday. So far we've welcomed groups from Christ's Church Academy, Daniel Kids Foundation, Eastern Kentucky University, Emory University as well as individual students from Jacksonville area high schools. 
 

Spring Break student volunteers from Emory University (above) and Christ's Church Academy (top).
 
We so appreciate their volunteer spirit. Last year volunteers gave over 6,000 hours of their time to help inventory donated clothing. Thank you to everyone who gives of their time, whether to Dignity U Wear (our favorite) or other worthwhile projects.
 
Learn more about volunteering at DUW!
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136 N. Myrtle Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32204

 

UNDIE Update
You Can Help Us Reach Our 10th Anniversary Goals!

The 10th Annual UNDIE Campaign is off and running. To date we've collected 265,000 pairs of underwear/socks and $6,500 in contributions. Monetary donations are necessary to maintain the day-to-day operations that allow DUW to process and distribute the donated undergarments. But we still need your help to reach our goals: 350,000 units and $30,000.
 
 
 Dignity U Wear created the UNDIE Campaign to ensure every individual we serve receives new underwear and socks. Underwear is our most requested, but least donated, item.
 
Our appeal to the clothing industry began in the month of March. If you are a manufacturer, distributor or retail establishment interested in donating new undergarments, there is still time to donate! Please contact our Director of Procurement Karin Bunnell for information and assistance.
 
The UNDIE Campaign continues into May when faith groups, businesses, schools, civic associations, professional groups and others in the Jacksonville, Fla., community conduct campaigns within their organizations to collect new underwear and deliver the donations to our warehouse. If you are interested in hosting an UNDIE drive, please contact us at [email protected]
 
US Bank volunteers sort 2016 UNDIE Campaign contributions.
 
UNDIE Campaign sponsorship information is also available upon request. Cash donations to the UNDIE Campaign may be made online at your convenience--$5 provides a week's worth of undergarments.
 
Stay up-to-date with UNDIE Campaign and other DUW news; visit our blog.
DUW Clothes At-Risk Students
Extends Partnership with MA Agency 

The Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps has opened a second boutique at its Holyoke, Mass., campus. The boutique is stocked with brand new clothing provided by Dignity U Wear. This partnership ensures clothing is available, at no charge, to at-risk students in RFK programs. Students are also provided volunteer opportunities in the boutique, offering the skills experience needed to work in a retail establishment.
 

Want to learn more about our impact in Massachusetts and across the nation? Visit DUW's 
Agency Partnership webpage.
Cocktail Attire
IIDA's Cocktail Couture Fundraiser is at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, May 19!

Dignity U Wear is honored to be the benefiting charity of the International Interior Design Association, North Florida Chapter's Cocktail Couture - A Walk on the Wild Side. The design competition will be held May 19, 6pm -10pm, at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. We hope you can join us at this one-of-a-kind event. Wild cocktail attire encouraged. Check the IIDA website for upcoming ticket and event information.