In today’s JSOnline, Joel Dresang provides details on a special program to help “dress up unemployment.” Here’s the story:

A year ago, a national clothing retailer rounded up 125,000 men’s suits and other apparel to distribute to job seekers who couldn’t afford to dress for success at job interviews.

James Green, career development specialist at YWCA of Greater Milwaukee, recalls outfitting one man with a suit, overcoat, tie and shoes that helped lead the man to a $14-an-hour position after he hadn’t worked in more than two years.

“When a person comes in properly dressed, it goes a long way for them,” Green says.

Next month, the YW again will be a local partner with Men’s Wearhouse on the national clothing drive.

Starting next week through Sept. 30, you can drop off gently used suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes at any Men’s Wearhouse store. The company says it will throw in a tie for every suit donated and offer a discount coupon for each donor.

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Another resource, this one serving women, is Bottomless Closet Milwaukee. Founded in 1997, Bottomless Closet is an affiliate of The Women’s Alliance, a national organization of independent community-based members who provide professional attire and career skills to low-income women and families seeking self sufficiency. Since its inception, Bottomless Closet provided services to approximately 10,000 women. Annually, Bottomless Closet serves nearly 1,000 women at the offices located at 6040 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee.