National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW) received 166 gently used handbags to add to the inventory of its Career Closet, thanks to the “trade-in” days at Brighton Collectibles, a boutique in the Mall at Short Hills.

From July 22 through July 31, Brighton offered its customers a $50 coupon to use toward store merchandise in exchange for donations of gently used handbags.  At the end of the promotional period, Brighton Collectibles Sales Partner Penny Robinson and Assistant Store Managing Partner Shelly Richter presented the donated handbags to Karen Feinblatt, a volunteer with the Career Closet who organized the event on behalf of NCJW.

Career Closet is a service that provides free, work-appropriate clothing to women who would not otherwise have proper clothing for job interviews or for starting a new job. It serves women who are re-entering the workforce after a long absence, or who are forced to re-enter the workforce due to separation, divorce, death or disability of a spouse, or spouse’s military deployment. Career Closet clients are referred through the Linda & Rudy Slucker NCJW Center for Women or outside social service agencies.

“We are very grateful to Brighton Collectibles for this successful promotion that encouraged women to clean out their closets and donate gently used handbags to the Career Closet,” said Ms. Feinblatt. “We were thrilled to partner with Brighton and are very grateful for their efforts to help ensure that women in need have a complete outfit for job interviews and for work.”

During the promotion, Brighton also made available brochures about NCJW’s Linda & Rudy Slucker Center for Women (CFW), a nonsectarian service-provider sponsored by NCJW. Located in Livingston, New Jersey, CFW provides a variety of support groups for women and children, dating-abuse education for teens, skills training for women re-entering the workforce. 

The Career Closet accepts donations of gently used, work-appropriate clothing and accessories directly from members of the public. Details about how to donate can be found at www.NCJWessex.org.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For more information, go to www.NCJWessex.org.