Community asked to donate suits for student interviews and prom

Julie Garcia, Hector Sosa and Maria Villegas. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY – Downey Councilman Hector Sosa is calling on residents to open their closets and help local students step confidently into their futures.

Sosa is spearheading “Suit Up Crew,” a men’s suit collection drive benefiting students at Columbus High School. The effort is a partnership with What’s Up Crew, a nonprofit founded by Julie Garcia that provides mentorship, motivational speakers and resources to students as they prepare for college, trade school or the workforce.

Sosa said the idea had been on his mind for years.

“I know a lot of men have suits they don’t wear anymore,” Sosa said. “They’re sitting in closets. I’ve always felt there was a need to take those suits and move them from one closet to another where they can be used and appreciated.”

The concept took shape after Sosa attended a What’s Up Crew event at Columbus High late last year. Seeing the nonprofit’s work with students inspired him to approach Garcia about creating a suit drive focused on graduating seniors.

“At What’s Up Crew, we believe potential should never be limited by access,” Garcia said. “Suit Up Crew equips our students with professional attire so they can walk into any room ready to succeed.”

The drive will collect gently used men’s suits, dress shirts and ties in good condition. Items will be distributed to students preparing for job interviews, internships and other milestone events.

With Columbus High set to host its first-ever prom this year, organizers hope donations will arrive in time for students who may want to wear a suit to the dance.

“The idea of getting these kids suited up goes beyond clothing,” Sosa said. “It builds confidence. It helps with first impressions. It’s going to go a long way when they walk into that first interview.”

While the program is launching at Columbus High, Sosa said organizers will do their best to accommodate students from other Downey campuses, including Warren High School and Downey High School, if donations allow.

Maria Villegas, captain with the Downey Police Department, is also supporting the initiative.

“Our community, our commitment. Supporting students one suit at a time,” Villegas said.

What’s Up Crew is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donors can receive acknowledgment letters for tax purposes.

Donations are accepted on an ongoing basis, though organizers are encouraging contributions over the next several months to support prom season and upcoming graduations.

To donate, residents can contact Julie Garcia at www.whatsupcrew.org, email jgarcia@whatsupcrew.org or call 562-884-8683.

“We don’t know how big the response is going to be,” Sosa said. “But we do know that whatever is donated will go into the hands of someone who can really benefit from suiting up.”