‘FASHION DELIVERS’ COMES TO THE RESCUE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThis is the week to give thanks as we celebrate Thanksgiving but there are families still trying to recover from the havoc that Hurricane Sandy has wreaked upon their lives.
Over the past few years, the fashion industry has come forward to create a greater presence in the world and in times of need, the industry has proven that they have what it takes to get the job done and provide much needed relief.
The Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc. provides much needed assistance and goods to those in the most difficult of situations. This highly visible organization has been coming to the rescue since 2005. They were life savers in Hurricane Katrina and then Hurricane Rita. Their mission is to mobilize the fashion community to reach out to those most in need, providing donations for men and women in the way of fashion in addition to items for the home which are distributed through a network of hundreds of local agencies worldwide. This passionate foundation has accomplished and surpassed what would be considered an outstanding goal. They have secured and distributed more than $150 million in products since inception.
This heartwarming organization has been working non-stop since Hurricane Sandy hit back on October 29th. They have amassed $15 million worth of donated new apparel and home goods to be given to the storm survivors.
Two trucks of mens’ and women’s underwear, one truck of outerwear from Hanesbrands, 500 pairs of shoes from Skechers, 15 pallets of product and $200,000 worth of gift cards from Burlington Coat Factory, $100,000 of apparel from Lacoste, a tractor trailer of warm coats from G-111 Apparel Group and more than 1,000 bras and underwear from Maidenform are just some of the results of donations that have been collected for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Word is spreading out to more manufacturers and retailers to join the relief efforts and put a smile on a few more faces and enjoy the gratitude of reward. People just like you and me can also play a significant role by donating funds that will help distribute the new merchandise to storm survivors.
Fashion Delivers Chairman Allan Ellinger is making his plea, “Once the urgent needs of food and shelter have been met, there will be a long road ahead as families begin rebuilding their lives. We are working with local partners every day to get products to people in need. Please go to www.FashionDelivers.org to donate new products or cash to help the survivors of Hurricane Sandy, or call us at 646-786-2680.” Every $1 that is donated through Fashion Delivers helps to move $25 of a new donation or product.
Also getting in on the action is Stylemint.com. This fashion retail site will donate an item to Fashion Delivers for every item purchased until November 22nd. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen play a pivotal role on this site.
With winter quickly approaching, warm shoes are just as important and the footwear industry is stepping up to the plate to meet the needs of those hit the hardest. They are seeking boots and comfortable shoes. Footnotesonline.com and Heels to Heal are leading a footwear donation drive through November 21, 2012. Aquataqlia Group has been instrumental in donating 200 pairs of winter boots so far.
Fashion plays an integral part in all of our lives. When we need fashion the most, it never lets us down. It provides an escape from the tribulations of the world today. Fashion Delivers has been putting the donations into motion through a wide range of community non-profits working on the ground in the storm-ridden areas including The Legacy Center serving Brooklyn and Queens; Broad Channel American Legion Post serving Breezy Point, New York victims; Make the Road N.Y. serving Staten Island; City of Secaucus, N.J. and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey with offices in the central and southern areas of the state.
With the holidays comes generosity and spirit and this is the time to put those qualities to work in a fashionable way.
PHOTO CREDITS: FashionDelivers.org Facebook Page
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