05.22.2023 Valerie Roca
The Springs Woman, a fundraising and social club founded by members of The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage, recently hosted a Clothing Drive benefitting Desert Best Friend’s Closet, a Palm Desert-based non-profit dedicated to supplying prospective job candidates with lightly worn, professional attire to wear to interviews.
The idea for the clothing drive began during the pandemic as members of the Springs Woman, like many of us, spent much time working on home projects. The Springs Woman began the clothing drive, “Summer Project,” in May 2020 and collected hundreds of pounds of apparel. Last month, the group decided to recommence the clothing drive, as it aligned with the season of giving.
The drive culminated during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend when grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Springs Woman members donated their time collecting, sorting and delivering the donations. “The best way to teach children about philanthropy and charitable donations is to involve them, especially when it’s taking place within their own communities.” says Springs Woman President, Mary Hockin.
The clothing drive yielded an impressive 2,353 pounds of shoes and apparel – exceeding the group’s stated goal of one metric ton. The donated clothing is now in the process of being distributed to individuals through DBFC’s Interview Attire Program, which assists unemployed Coachella Valley residents re-enter the workforce by supplying them with work-appropriate wardrobe.
“The best way to teach children about philanthropy and charitable donations is to involve them, especially when it’s taking place within their own communities.”
In addition to DFBC, the group works with Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, (CVVIM), which provides free health care to medically underserved adult residents.
Founded in 2008, DBFC’s mission is to educate and empower their clients for success, both in employment and in life. The non-profit works with a variety of organizations, including Riverside County’s GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence), Welfare-to-Work, Riverside County Department of Probation, and many more. Through programs like Interview Attire, Bridge to Employment, Warriors to Work, Youth Attire and others, DBFC helps individuals become economically self-sufficient through employment.
To learn more about The Springs Woman, call (760) 324-8292 or visit www.thespringsrm.com
