'Be Bold, Take Charge' initiative hosts clothing drive

READING, Pa. — “Be Bold, Take Charge,” a multi-sector community health initiative between Penn State Berks and Penn State Health St. Joseph, is hosting a professional clothing drive in partnership with Goodwill Industries and Berks Connections Pretrial Services (BCPS) through April 2. Donation bins will be located on Penn State Berks campus in the Perkins Student Center and Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building.

Clothing can also be donated at Penn State Health St. Joseph Main Campus at 2500 Bernville Road in Reading and Penn State Health St. Joseph Downtown Campus, located at 6th and Walnut streets in Reading. Donations can also be dropped off at Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery or any local Goodwill store, with clear reference given to support the "Be Bold, Take Charge Professional Clothing Drive."

As part of its economic development strategy, "Be Bold, Take Charge" is supporting the work of BCPS in serving individuals transitioning from the judicial system back into the local community. According to the volume of clothing donated, Goodwill has offered to provide gift cards which job-seeking individuals served by BCPS can then use to purchase work attire. Though all donations are welcome, the drive’s focus is interview-appropriate attire, including dress shirts, polos, khakis, skirts and blazers.

Individuals who are interested in making monetary donations can visit http://www.berksconnections.org/bbtcgoodwilldrive to help provide transportation assistance for job-seeking individuals.

Additional drive sponsors include the Reading Eagle Company and Weidenhammer.

For additional information, contact Lisa Weaver, AmeriCorps VISTA Member, at 610-396-6446.