Detroit Mayor Bing makes donation to Jackets For Jobs

It’s more than giving a suit; it’s about an opportunity to serve

DETROIT, MI (BlackNews.com) – Jackets for Jobs, (JFJ) Inc., a nationally recognized award-winning nonprofit organization, provides career skills, interview training, work etiquette and professional clothes to clients searching for employment. The vast majority of JFJ clients need professional clothing to wear on job interviews.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing recently availed his support for the 13-year-old organization and arranged for clothing pick up. Alison Vaughn, JFJ founder stated, “Unemployment comes in all sizes and we are grateful to Mayor Bing [6 feet, 3 inches tall] for his generous donation of suits and shirts. We thanked the Mayor for believing in our mission.” The organization has assisted more than 14,000 job seekers since opening its doors in 2000.

Mayor Dave Bing, America’s favorite weatherman Al Rocker, Grammy award winner BeBe Winans and R&B singer KEM – all have made donations to the men’s division of this organization. The Mayor indicated that he was very familiar with the organization and wanted to provide the clothing to help Detroiters actively seeking employment.

Reportedly, job opportunities are on the rise in Detroit. Recent census figures show that Detroit’s overall population shrank by 25 percent in the last 10 years. But another figure tells a different and more intriguing story: During the same time period, downtown Detroit experienced a 59 percent increase in the number of college-educated residents under the age of 35, nearly 30 percent more than two-thirds of the nation’s 51 largest cities.

According to a 2007 study by University of Oregon economics professor William Harbaugh and psychology professor Ulrich Mayr, people donate to charity because it provides them with a good feeling. Researchers contend that the study supports the idea of a “warm glow” feeling and that people are willing to take action, even if it does not directly benefit them.

“Besides the warm feeling you get inside when you do something nice for others, supporting a charity allows you to fulfill a need. We’re pleased that the Mayor chose Jacket for Jobs,” Vaughn said.

This prized organization is funded by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation and is the charitable arm of TJ Maxx. For more information, visit www.jacketsforjobs.org or call 313-579-9160.

Photo Caption: Mayor Dave Bing, City of Detroit & Alison Vaughn, Founder & CEO, Jackets for Jobs