My name is Lila Lynch, and for my Independent Service Project I decided to host a drive collecting used formal wear to donate to Save A Suit, a nonprofit Connecticut organization dedicated to providing professional clothing to veterans in order to help them secure jobs.
My grandfather was a veteran, and when he passed away recently we were left with tons of his professional clothing from his career after the navy, and I knew that this would be a cause that he would support. My last memory of spending time with my grandfather is when we watched the Rangers play the Winter Classic on his TV together last year, so the Rangers will always hold a special place in my memories of him. I knew that I wanted my independent service project to be related to him and that he would have thought that Save A Suit was a great organization to donate to.
Save A Suit explains that it is often difficult for veterans to complete the transition from serving in the military into civilian life, and by providing formal wear they can help veterans to regain their confidence and prepare for new opportunities. They have been pursuing this goal for eight years, and aided thousands of veterans with the help of donations and drives.
Through both my drive and my grandfather’s clothes, I was able to collect over 20 suits and 30 ties to donate, over an estimated $3,000 worth of clothing. Through the organization, these clothes will be distributed to veterans to help them prepare for interviews and employment. I am so grateful that I got this opportunity to host this drive for Save A Suit and the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation.
Written by HLFYA Lila Lynch
