June 5, 2009                                                                                         

Weitzman and Dress for Success get major boost from GlaxoSmithKline for 2nd Annual Clothing Drive

Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman and Dress for Success of Nassau County will be getting a boost from the employees at GlaxoSmithKline, a major healthcare company with representatives throughout Long Island, as the company’s employees devote one day to community service. After seeing an article about the Comptroller’s Dress for Success clothing drive, GSK officials decided to dedicate a community day to help. Over 50 employees will be dropping off business suits at the Uniondale Marriot and the Islandia Marriot in Nassau and Suffolk counties and then delivering them to the Comptroller’s Office in Mineola.

"Having the employees of GlaxoSmithKline assist us will be a major boost to our Second Annual Dress for Success clothing drive,” Comptroller Weitzman said. “Giving back to the community is a wonderful idea and I am very pleased that the hard-working employees of Glaxo chose this cause to adopt.”

Katie O’Grady of GSK saw a news brief about the Comptroller’s clothing drive in her local paper and suggested to her district manager, Joseph Salerno, that they join the cause. Mr. Salerno directed all of his employees on Long Island to use one working day to give back to the community. They dubbed it “Orange Day” a reference to the company’s bright orange logo.  

"GlaxoSmithKline encourages its employees to give back to their communities,” said Mr. Salerno. “The simple gesture of donating clothing to provide professional attire to women in need is an easy way to give back.”

GSK has held “Orange Day” in the past internationally. This is the first year they are participating on Long Island. With over 11 volunteers coordinating over 50 employees island wide GSK expects to collect a lot of suits, dresses, and accessories.

The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The Comptroller’s office is still accepting donations. Please donate business suits, skirts or pants at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola. Special designated boxes are located on the second floor outside Comptroller Weitzman’s office. All clothing should be clean and in good condition with no visible stains, spots or missing buttons.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact the Comptroller’s office at 516-571-2383.