STHS Hosting Professional Clothing Drive To Support South Texas College Graduates Preparing To Enter The Workforce

As part of its clothing drive to support STC’s Threads Career Closet, STHS is inviting the community to join staff members in providing professional attire for STC graduates

The cost of a college education can be a major financial burden for students, impacting various aspects of their lives. They may need to take on more debt, work longer hours or even be forced to put their higher education dreams on hold until they have the funding necessary to pursue a degree or professional certificate.

For less fortunate individuals who are able to complete their studies, they may be left with limited funds to afford the professional attire required to enter the workforce.

In 2023, 42% of job postings in the United States referenced a business casual dress code, according to Gallup, while more U.S. companies have amended their dress code policies to require employees to dress more professionally.

Career closets on college campuses help ensure that their students are dressed for success. Stocked with donated business attire that students and graduates can keep at no cost, they help alleviate the financial burden of clothes shopping and allow them to participate in career-related activities like networking events, internships, job shadowing and job interviews, as well as at work, once hired.

In the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College’s (STC) Threads Career Closet is making a difference in the lives of its students by providing professional attire to those seeking employment or entering the workforce after graduation by elevating their presentation and helping them make a great first impression.

As part of its commitment to the communities it proudly serves, South Texas Health System is partnering with the STC Threads Career Closet to host a professional clothing drive to give staff and community members an opportunity to donate new or gently used business attire like suits, blazers, dress shirts, blouses and skirts for the closet.

“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new hire, you may remember the financial constraints you faced immediately after graduation that made it difficult to buy necessary professional clothing for interviews, presentations and job fairs,” says Tom Castaneda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “By contributing your gently used professional clothing to this professional clothing donation drive, you can help bridge that gap and ensure that local students can present themselves professionally while increasing their chances of career success. This is your chance to have an influence on the professional lives of our future leaders!”

Taking place now through Wednesday, May 21, you’re invited to drop off gently used or new professional clothing at the following locations:

• Administration Office, STHS McAllen, 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen
• Administration Office, STHS Heart, 1900 S. D St., McAllen
• Administration Office, STHS Edinburg, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg
• Administration Office, STHS Behavioral, 2102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg
• Lobby, STHS Regional Operations Center, 1400 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg

Specific clothing needed includes:

• Professional suits, jackets & blazers
• Slacks/pants for men & women
• Skirts & dresses
• Dress shirts for men & women (no logos/words)
• Belts & ties

All clothing must be in good condition and ‘ready to wear.’ Torn, stained and faded clothing will not be accepted.

For more information, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or via email at STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.

About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.