Students Benefit from BU Clothing Closet
Bluefield University students needing to add professional clothes to their wardrobe now have access to options through a new BU Clothing Closet.
Launched in mid-September, the Clothing Closet is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 001 on the first floor of Rish Hall just inside the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).
The Clothing Closet is available to provide BU students with clothes they might need. The project is headed by Julia Atkins, who said the closet’s “clothes are targeted toward those who need professional clothing.” While casual attire is also available, the closet’s primary purpose is professionalism.
“The majority of clothing is professional clothing, but we do have some casual clothing donations, as well,” said BU’s Emily Cook, who has been instrumental in getting donations to the Clothing Closet. “We have dress shirts, dress pants, ties, jackets, skirts, dresses, and shoes.”
The clothing project did not originate with Atkins, but instead with BU alumnus Sven Kleinhans. While meeting with current students to discuss career preparation, Kleinhans became aware that many students do not own professional clothing. As a result, Kleinhans met with community members to collect clothing and donations, including his own.
“It (the Clothing Closet) has gotten this far by the extensive donations and manpower given by the community and students,” Atkins said.
The Clothing Closet has also gotten this far because of the passion of Atkins, who wants students to be aware of its existence and where it is located. Organizers also want interested supporters to know that donations are appreciated.
“If you have clothing donations, there is a box outside of the Clothing Closet where you can put them,” Cook said. “We are grateful for your help to make this successful.”
In addition to clothing donations, organizers say they need people to donate hangers for the Clothing Closet. When looking toward the future, Atkins said she’s hoping to see even more donations so that the closet can “serve students with what they need.”