Well-dressed professionals somehow know precisely how to mix and match items of clothing to obtain the best possible business look.

Click on the logo for more information about MTSU’s Raiders Closet.

MTSU’s Raiders Closet is teaming up with a local organization to provide more business-style clothing for students preparing for job interviews.

Raiders Closet recently entered into a partnership with Amelia’s Closet, a nonprofit organization that offers free clothing to low-income women who are trying to rebound from a life setback.

“A lot of them … are just discouraged, 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, located at 855 W. College St. in Murfreesboro.

Amelia’s Closet works with more than 20 agencies to accept referrals and help find the right clothing for the women who make appointments to visit.

Jody Powers, co-founder and president of Amelia’s Closet, shows some of the organization’s women’s clothing on display. (MTSU photo by News and Media Relations)

Some of the clothes donated to Amelia’s Closet, however, aren’t quite the right fit for their clientele.

“She gets donations that are too young-looking,” explained Dr. Virginia Hemby-Grubb, a professor of management at MTSU and founder of Raiders Closet, adding that well-meaning mature women often donate clothes to Raiders Closet that aren’t age-appropriate for traditional college students.

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

So, with the handshake partnership, Amelia’s Closet and Raiders Closet will swap clothes, shoes and accessories to allow each agency to offer the right clothes to its customers.

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

Dr. Virginia Hemby-Grubb displays some of the items available for students preparing for job interviews and new jobs at the Raiders’ Closet. (file photo submitted)

Raiders Closet also 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 students’ use for a bargain total of $275.

Donations to Raiders Closet are welcome weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Room N429 in the MTSU Business and Aerospace Building. The organization 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 www.mtsu.edu/marketing/raiders_closet.php.

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

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)