Gently-worn and new items of clothing (some with the sales tags still in place) are finding new life and new homes thanks to a recent clothing drive hosted by the Lac La Biche Portage College staff social committee.

Business clothing, dress shoes, summer outfits, jeans, casual shirts and even baby and children's wear were donated by College staff to the 'Clean out Your Closets' clothing drive. The donations filled clothing racks and tables in a college classroom for two days at the end of April, giving staff and students an opportunity to pick up items free of charge.

"The response was just amazing," said Portage College Student Support Advisor Ryan Hlewka, a regular volunteer with the staff social committee. "We had a lot of interest."

The response was so overwhelming that Hlewka was also able to deliver quality clothing donations to Lac La Biche's Hope Haven Women's Shelter. Staff at the shelter say the donation is another great example of support from the community. They say the clothing will help clients who are trying to rebuild their lives. 

The recent delivery was the second clothing donation made to the shelter from Portage College staff over the last year.

Ryan Hlewka from Portage College and Hope Haven's Gaye Warman with the recent clothing donation from the College's clothing drive.

Hlewka said its nice to see the College event reach into the community.

"We can't thank the staff who donated items enough. It helps other staff members, students and community members," he said. "Our staff members are part of the community and it's great to be able to help them and to also help others around us."

Staff social committees are in place at Portage campus locations in Lac La Biche, St. Paul and Cold Lake. The committees organize events and fundraisers, including staff appreciation events and community projects.