Clothes can be good for the soul, and now Newport Beach shoppers can share that with the less fortunate.
St. Croix Shop in Newport Beach, along with nine other SCS locations across the U.S., will be collecting new and gently worn clothes to benefit the Clothes4Souls division of the national charity, Soles4Souls. The clothing drive began on Monday and will run until May 19.
“I’m very passionate when it comes to organizations like this,” said Sandra Duff, manager of the Newport Beach St. Croix. “I’m a big believer in doing good and paying it forward.”
The clothes make a big difference in the recipient’s lives, she added.
They are working with the Nashville-based shoe charity, Soles4Souls, for the campaign. The non-profit “collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty,” a statement from St. Croix Shop explained.
“With 1 in 4 adults in the world living on less than one dollar a day, basic necessities like shoes and clothing are not readily available,” the statement read. “Consumers are encouraged to clean out their closets and provide hope to those in need through the gift of clothing.”
Duff said they will accept any kind or brand of clothing, it does not have to be St. Croix garments. No purchase is necessary to donate.
“As a thank you, customers receive an immediate $35 discount on the purchase of new St. Croix apparel for each item donated,” the statement noted.
St. Croix, a U.S.-based company, offers men’s fashions, including sportswear, knitwear and jackets.
“This is a terrific way for our customers to engage in an impactful way to improve the lives of others in this country and around the world,” said Bruce Amster, Director of Stores for St. Croix Shop.
“Our customers have long been involved in our various charitable efforts,” continued Amster. “We are thrilled to partner again in this opportunity to put their used clothing back into useful service through our involvement with Clothes4Souls.”
The Newport Beach shop had a good turnout last year, said Duff, who has been with the company for 16 years and manager for nine.
Duff is hoping to collect 100-150 items from the Newport store. Last year they donated 75 pieces, she added.
She would love to volunteer for the opportunity to hand deliver the clothes to those in need, she continued.
“We deeply appreciate this commitment by St. Croix Shop and its customers,” said Keith Woodley, Chief Marketing Officer of Soles4Souls. “From our experiences over the past seven years, we are certain that the campaign will result in inspiring personal stories from individuals who have witnessed transformation among their families and communities.”
For more information, visit clothes4souls.org and stcroixshop.com.
