HENDERSON, Ky. – Hendo Suits, a new initiative to provide professional apparel to men in need, is now taking donations of new or gently-used suits, sport coats, white dress shirts and ties before beginning formal operations on January 6, 2020.
Hendo Suits is a collaborative effort between Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider and State Senator Robby Mills, although they are not running the program in their official capacities. Mills owns and operates Nu-Look Cleaners, where Hendo Suits will be based.
Schneider said the idea for a suit bank came after he went on a diet earlier this year.
“I lost a bunch of weight, which is great, but it also left me with a dozen nice suits and sport coats in my closet that didn’t come close to fitting me anymore,” he said. “I thought about donating them to Goodwill or St. Vincent De Paul, which are fine organizations. But then I wondered if I could be a little more intentional with them, and others with suits to give could be, too. Maybe we could find a way to get the clothes directly to someone needing a decent suit for a job interview, or a funeral, or a wedding, or a prom, but couldn’t afford one. After a little research, I contacted Robby, and he was on-board immediately, offering his store as a storage area and a fitting room. And when someone picks out a suit they like, Robby’s staff will clean and press it for them, and even do small alterations. The suits will be provided free of charge.”
To be certain those who ask for suits truly need them, Hendo Suits is partnering with local social service agencies to vet clients and formally refer them to the program. Those agencies are Christian Community Outreach, the Salvation Army, the Henderson County High School Family Resource Center, the Henderson Community College Career Services office and the Housing Authority of Henderson.
“Only folks referred through those agencies will be eligible for Hendo Suits, so those who want a suit should contact them,” Schneider said. “We may add more referring agencies in the future.”
Suits, coats, shirts and ties can be donated Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Nu-Look Cleaners, 430 Second St., or Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Christian Community Outreach, 700 N. Green St. Donors at Nu-Look will be given a discount on their next dry-cleaning bill. Donors at Christian Community Outreach will be given a receipt that can be used for a possible tax deduction.
“There has to be 1,000 nice suits and sport coats in closets around this county that, for whatever reason, aren’t being worn,” Schneider said. “If we can get half that many given to Hendo Suits it’d be thrilling. Before we go live on Jan. 6, we need donated items in as many sizes as possible. And these donations will make a difference. They’ll help people feel better about themselves and improve their lives.”
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