Inn and Conference Center, UMUC Hosts Clothing Drive for Women in the College Park, Maryland Area

Adelphi, Md., – October 14, 2009 – The Marriott associates at the Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in College Park, Maryland are filing boxes and bags with fall clothing for needy women who are getting a fresh start. The hotel clothing drive accepts donations of suits, accessories and other attire are being taken to Success in Style (www.successinstyle.org), where they will be put into the hands of disadvantaged women looking for jobs to support themselves and their families.

Success in Style is a non-profit and community service program whose mission is to promote dignity and self-sufficiency among disadvantaged women by providing them with business attire and practical fashion advice so that they can project a professional image and re-enter the workforce.

Thea Cavacos recently left SIS with a new look and new hope for landing a government job after her layoff in May from a corporation, where she performed administrative and clerical duties. She learned about SIS community service program in College Park, MD at the Maryland Workforce Center, where displaced workers get assistance with everything from resume writing, to career guidance and skill enhancement.

"It's hard to be unemployed, especially now with the economy," explains Ms. Cavacos. "I apply for jobs but have gotten only one response-very discouraging. I get substantially less every month now that I'm on unemployment but that doesn't cover my mortgage and my medications. I am the sole income provider."

Associates at Marriott's UMUC Inn and Conference Center donated gently used suits, blouses, shoes and accessories to their women's clothing drive. SIS also offers hosiery, lingerie, purses and makeup, free dental and hair styling services through its partners. Clothing from this clothing drive program that is not work-appropriate is sent to SIS's sister organization, Charity's Closet, a thrift store, where it will be sold for $5 per item.

"Through the leadership of our associate Spirit Committee, we are always looking for creative ways we can give back to the community," says Michael McCarthy, general manager at the Marriott UMUC Inn and Conference Center. "We have now been partnering with Success in Style and Charity's Closet for about one year. Associates were asking us to identify a place where they could donate their business clothing in an effort to assist women in the workplace who may not be able to afford their own. After doing some research, we found Success in Style. "

"Most recently, they were the recipients of the leftover clothing from our successful Prom Angels Closet last spring, when we turned our ballroom into a store full of prom clothing for local high schoolers to 'shop' for at no charge. All of the formal wear that was not taken during the Prom Angels program went to Success in Style."

The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center by Marriott is the first hotel in the country to acquire "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) certification. The UMUC Inn and Conference Center by Marriott is committed to reducing its environmental impact while providing our guests with signature Marriott service and convenience. For more information about this hotel in College Park or for reservations, please visit www.UMUCMarriott.com or call 301-985-7300.