SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota, 92.1 CTQ and Culver’s are teaming up for the “Suits for Vets” program. This effort will support and empower veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian workforce by providing them with professional business attire essential for helping them to put their best foot forward in today’s job market.
Community members are asked to donate professional attire for men and women from June 27-July 4; clothing can be donated at any Goodwill location or the Culver’s restaurant at 2605 University Parkway in Sarasota. (Go to experiencegoodwill.org/locations for a complete list of attended donation centers and retail stores.)
The Suits for Vets kick-off event will take place at the Goodwill store at 2715 51st Ave. East, Bradenton on Tuesday, June 27th. From 6-10 a.m., there will be a live remote with Maverick and Lulu from 92.1 CTQ. Anyone who donates a suit will receive a coupon for 50% off their Goodwill purchases (excludes bus passes and new goods); offer good at that location and during the live remote only. Culver’s will be there to distribute its delicious ice cream for those who love ice cream in the morning. Then, from 4-8 p.m., Culver’s will kick off its own celebration at the University Parkway location – 20% of the proceeds from that event will benefit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program. Anyone donating suits at other locations or after these events will receive a coupon for 25% off at Goodwill and a free value basket coupon from Culver’s on University.
Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program, which is staffed by veterans, offers access to employment preparation courses, educational and technical skills classes, and work resources, all aimed at helping veterans to find meaningful employment so that they may advance beyond their military careers and regain a sense of pride, dignity and purpose. One-on-one guidance is provided, and program trainers match job seekers with job opportunities through targeted recruitment services and job fairs.
“Veterans face significant challenges during the transition from military service to civilian life and sometimes those challenges can seem insurmountable without someone to offer guidance and needed resources,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “Even something that may seem as simple as a work outfit can make the thought of the job search feel impossible to someone who’s struggling. We are grateful to Culver’s and 92.1 CTQ for joining with us to help veterans make a more seamless transition from the military into gainful civilian employment.”
Veterans who would like to receive a business suit must visit and register with any Goodwill Job Connection or the Veterans Services Program office. Go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721, ext. 451 for more information.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.