St. Vincent’s Job Seekers Will Dress for Success, Thanks to Mervyn’s
Retailer Doing its Part by Assisting Less Fortunate to Re-enter Workforce

   SAN DIEGO — National retailer Mervyn’s will bring one of its charitable outreach programs, the Community Closet, to San Diego on Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23, at the San Diego County Building, 1600 Pacific Highway, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The closet tour will then move to the East County Career Center, 924 East Main Street in El Cajon, on Friday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

   More than 100 people – including 20 St. Vincent de Paul Village residents – participating in job-training programs offered by area social service agencies will shop aboard the touring trailer whose interior has been outfitted to resemble a clothing boutique. There each guest will receive a free business-wear ensemble and dressing tips from a professional stylist. St. Vincent’s clients will participate on Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.

   Mervyn’s spokesman Jan O’Laughlin says the Community Closet is one of the ways the retailer contributes to the communities in which its stores are located.

   "The Community Closet is Mervyn’s proactive contribution to welfare reform, and its mission is simple: Enhance the marketability of men and women making the transition from public assistance to the workforce by providing free, brand new clothes that go a long way to improving self-esteem and motivation and ultimately lead to successful employment," O’Laughlin says.

   The women’s selection includes a pantsuit, coordinating skirt, cardigan sweater and shell, blouse, accessories, shoes and hosiery. The men’s clothing includes a blazer, dress and casual pants, polo shirt, belt, shoes and accessories.

   Celebrating its fifth year of service to the less fortunate, the Community Closet has already helped 5,000 women and 100 men across the country and has traveled to 22 cities throughout Southern California, says O’Laughlin.

   For more information on Mervyn’s Community Closet tour, please call (510) 727-5676.

# # #