[079] Raiders Closet, Amelia’s Closet mix, match clothing for perfect fit

MURFREESBORO — The well-dressed individual knows just how to mix and match separate items of clothing to obtain the best possible look.

MTSU’s Raiders Closet is doing just that in order to make more business-style clothing available to students who want to make a good impression on job interviews.

The closet recently entered into a partnership with Amelia’s Closet, a nonprofit organization at 855 W. College St. in Murfreesboro. Amelia’s Closet offers free clothing to low-income women who are trying to rebound from one of life’s setbacks.

“A lot of them … are just discouraged, and so it’s really good to help them feel better about themselves and have some self-esteem,” said Jody Powers, co-founder and president of Amelia’s Closet.

Through relationships with more than 20 agencies, Amelia’s Closet accepts referrals and helps to fit women with the right clothes for them by appointment only.

However, some of their donated clothes are not right for their clientele.

“She gets donations that are too young-looking,” said Virginia Hemby-Grubb, a professor of management at MTSU and founder of Raiders Closet.

Conversely, well-meaning mature women often donate clothes to Raiders Closet that just aren’t appropriate for traditional-age college students.

“We have so many things that wouldn’t work for our students but would work for her ladies,” Hemby-Grubb said.

Through the handshake partnership, Amelia’s Closet and Raiders Closet will swap clothes, shoes and accessories so that each one will be able to offer the right clothes to their customers.

“I’m thrilled with the partnership because the more community support everyone can offer each other is great,” Powers said.

In addition, Raiders Closet recently received a boost when the Jones of New York outlet store in Lebanon, Tennessee, held a going-out-of-business sale.

Hemby-Grubb took advantage of the opportunity to obtain donated mannequins. She also purchased several brand new women’s suits for the closet for a bargain total of $275.

Donations to Raiders Closet are welcome at Room N429 in the MTSU Business and Aerospace Building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The closet accepts gently used professional attire for both men and women.

Raiders Closet is located in Room 327 in the Keathley University Center. For days and hours of operation, go to http://www.mtsu.edu/marketing/raiders_closet.php.

For more information about Amelia’s Closet, go to www.ameliascloset.org or call 615-584-9029.