Suits for Vets

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated 20 men’s and women’s dress shirts, 20 men’s and women’s dress pants, and 10 full suits to the West Roxbury Veteran Affairs Medical Center through the “Suits for Success” program, May 16.

Some people may view the suit or dress clothes as an unfortunate necessity that are kept in the back of the closet and only brought out on rare occasions. However, the high price of a suit can be an insurmountable obstacle for those who are just starting out on the road to success.

“This donation means a lot and will go a long way to helping veterans here at the VA Boston West Roxbury, Jamacia Plain, and Brockton,” said Peter Tribuna, Voluntary Service Specialist, VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement. “This type of donation, especially, is what facilitates helping patients change their lives and will go to patients trying to get a new job, trying to move ahead in life, and gain self-sustainability and independence.”

The West Roxbury Veteran Affairs Medical Center provides essential services and support to veterans in need, including health care, social services, and housing, helping them to rebuild their lives and achieve success in all areas.

Register O’Donnell remarked, “We’re happy to assist the West Roxbury VA Medical Center. I thank all those who donated to our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation. The program is truly needed, and it’s a great resource for the community.”

The VA Boston Healthcare System’s mission is to offer options for timely, quality services for Veterans through care and respect for their physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

“I encourage people to volunteer at the VA hospital to show the veterans that they are appreciated and valued, and that while many Americans may not be able to relate to what these veterans have experienced, that they do care and are willing to listen and help in any way they can,” said Tribuna.

Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected more than 9,500 articles of clothing.

Register O’Donnell noted, "We've learned over the last decade that programs like 'suits for success' work." Register O’Donnell continued, "This program has given many people the confidence to take the next step in their lives, and if we can help even one veteran achieve this goal, it's worth it."

The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register O’Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, and InnerCity Weightlifting on our ‘Suits for Success’ program to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. The mission of "Suits for Success" is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.

“Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply showing gratitude and respect, we can all play a role in helping veterans reclaim their lives,” said Register O’Donnell. “I am honored to deliver these donations on behalf of the many people who contributed to the "Suits for Success" program and to be part of this effort to put these veterans on the path to success and ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency."

Individuals interested in joining the VA’s Adult Volunteer Program can find more information at the VA Boston health care website at https://www.va.gov/boston-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate.