UB to launch clothes closet for professional attire

UB Sustainability is seeking donations and volunteers for Hired — a clothes closet program that will enable students to “shop” for professional attire at no cost for interviews, career fairs, or any professional experience.

The clothes closet is set to open on the North Campus in spring 2022 after more donations have arrived and the space is finalized.

Once it’s in operation, students will be able to take home the equivalent of one complete outfit to keep per semester, depending on availability, says Erin Moscati, sustainability education manager in UB Sustainability.

Hired aligns with the university’s Climate Action Plan, which includes a “Waste Not” initiative, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, the program addresses goals No.10 and 12, which focus on reducing inequalities and on responsible consumption and production. 

Presently, Hired’s selection includes items such as dress shoes, blazers, blouses, slacks, button-down shirts, skirts, dresses, suit jackets and jewelry. 

Donations of professional attire are welcome, especially of men’s clothing. Clothes should be purchased within the past 10 years and in excellent condition and laundered. Bags and accessories, along with beauty and hygiene products, are also accepted.

To donate, call 716-645-0668 to arrange a drop-off time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 115 Sustainability Center. 

“Hired was created to provide support for students’ need for professional clothing, Moscati says. “Obtaining professional attire can pose a significant financial hurdle for young people. Hired will help ensure that all UB students have access to clothing to make a good first impression. Hired will also be a space for students of all genders, including students who may be in transition, to obtain clothing in a safe and welcoming setting.”

“We will always be looking for donations. Fashion is constantly changing, and we want the closet to be able to adapt and grow with the trends,” says Matthew Taboni, a student assistant in UB Sustainability and a student in the JD/MBA program.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with sorting clothes, assessing whether to accept donations, transporting donations from potential future pick-up locations, modeling clothing, and operating a pop-up shop during events such as career fairs.

Staff, faculty and student groups interested in partnering with Hired can contact Kayla Owen, sustainability operations coordinator, at 716-645-0668 or klrizzo@buffalo.edu.

When Hired opens, students will be able to find the clothes closet in a newly renovated space in the Sustainability office in 115 Sustainability Center. Plans call for it to be equipped with a dressing room and racks of clothes, accessories and shoes for students to browse. 

A wealth of donations has already been gifted to Hired by community members, alumni, staff and faculty. 

UB Sustainability also has a partnership with Savers thrift stores through the “Get 2 Give” program. As part of this initiative, Savers will donate a portion of its professional clothes to Hired after each inventory rotation. “Get 2 Give’s” upcoming round of donations will occur on Nov. 5.