TALLAHASSEE – Volunteer Florida and Uber today announced a first-of-its-kind service project at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. #SuitsForSession will engage members of the Legislature, members of the Florida Cabinet, local non-profits, state employees, and other partners in service by asking them to bring gently worn professional attire to the Capitol on March 1.  Volunteer Florida will collect the items at the Capitol and Uber will pick up items at peoples’ homes and transport them for free on March 1.

The items will be donated to Dress For Success Tallahassee, Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend, Inc., the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services.

For those who are unable to bring items in person to the Capitol, on Tuesday, March 1, donors will open the Uber app and be able to select the GIVE option on the bottom of the screen. An Uber vehicle will arrive to pick up clothing bags, and the driver will drop off the donations at Volunteer Florida.

Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman said, “#SuitsForSession is an example of the state, the private sector, and non-profits working together to make a difference in the lives of Floridians. The Florida Capitol is an incredibly busy place during Session, and we can’t think of a better opportunity to collect professional attire for those in need. Volunteer Florida is proud to partner with Uber to make it convenient for individuals to donate gently-worn professional attire.”

“Both Uber and Volunteer Florida strive to make a meaningful impact on local communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of the Capitol service project to make donating easy and convenient for Uber users,” said Matt Gore, Uber Florida General Manager. “Those who participate in this campaign are not only checking something off their to-do list, but supporting Volunteer Florida and its mission to strengthen communities through volunteerism.”  

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “It’s great to participate in #SuitsForSession. This event is a good opportunity for us to clean out our closets for a great cause. You never have a second chance to make a first impression and our donations will help ensure future job applicants will start their interviews off on the right foot.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said, “Every #SuitsforSession donation will afford a Floridian a new level of confidence as they engage with potential employers. The presence of so many visitors and staff at the Capitol during Session presents a prime opportunity for those on hand to assist in this valuable service project.”

Speaker of the Florida House Steve Crisafulli said, “I wholeheartedly support efforts to help those who are looking for meaningful employment, whether it’s through state policies or personal generosity. I appreciate the efforts of Volunteer Florida and their partners to do what we can to provide professional clothes for those seeking to better their futures through hard work.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “We are proud to help connect Floridians with visual impairments to meaningful jobs in their communities. The #SuitsForSession service project will ensure the clients we serve have the confidence to make a great impression in job interviews. I encourage all of our state’s residents to donate to this truly meaningful cause.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida has seen a remarkable economic turnaround over the past five years, but it remains critical that individuals trying to find a new job have the resources they need. I appreciate Volunteer Florida’s commitment to helping job-seekers, and I am proud to be a part of this effort at the Capitol.” 

Florida Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle said, “This partnership will benefit many jobseekers who are in need of professional attire to prepare for, enter and/or advance as productive members of Florida’s workforce. Thank you to Volunteer Florida, Uber and everyone who will contribute to this meaningful service project.”

Dress for Success Tallahassee President Grace Grindler said, “The donated professional attire from #SuitsForSession will make a major impact in the lives of so many unemployed or underemployed women in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage lawmakers and other partners in service to those who are striving to provide better lives for themselves and their families.”

Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. CEO Fred Shelfer said, “The lack of access to proper business attire can be an obstacle for so many individuals seeking employment. We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with Volunteer Florida and Uber to give those men and women a way to overcome that barrier and achieve success.”

Volunteer Florida and Uber will accept the following gently worn clothing items for men and women:

  • Blazers/jackets
  • Blouses/shirts
  • Dresses/skirts
  • Pants
  • Shoes

In partnership with the Gubernatorial Fellows Program, Volunteer Florida will place collection boxes at participating state agencies beginning Monday, February 22, 2016. Participating agencies will be listed here.

Additional details:

  • All clothing must be bagged for drivers to accept donations.
  • Drivers will arrive at requested pick-up locations. Donors are responsible for bringing bags outside, as drivers cannot leave their vehicles unattended.
  • The promotion is available in Tallahassee’s downtown district.
  • Volunteer Florida will not receive any rider information from Uber. If donors wish to receive the tax information for their donation, they will have to opt-in to a tax receipt request form provided by Volunteer Florida.