Teen Creates Clothing Resource for Classmates
A teenager from Long Island has launched an initiative aimed at providing free professional attire to her female classmates, enabling them to make a strong impression for job interviews. It’s a testament to her kind-hearted nature.
“I really enjoy helping people,” said Alexandra DeDonato, a senior at Smithtown West. “It’s incredible to see how confident they become when they can present themselves well.”
After spending the summer at a local Dress for Success branch, where she witnessed firsthand how appropriate clothing can impact unemployed women preparing for the workforce, DeDonato decided to bring the idea of a clothing lending service to her school.
“It felt fulfilling to actually see the difference we were making,” she reflected, noting the many women who expressed their gratitude.
With a strong background as a Girl Scout and in her pursuit of the Gold Award, Scouting’s top honor, DeDonato introduced the concept of a “career closet” to her peers.
Recently, Troop 2479 conducted a clothing drive, gathering professional attire from friends, family, and the community. DeDonato herself acquired over 100 clothing pieces, including blouses, jackets, and blazers.
“Everyone was really excited and supportive,” remarked DeDonato, a college-level volleyball player who is also part of the National Honor Society.
The clothing is neatly organized in a closet centrally located, and it’s already been utilized by students needing polished outfits for last-minute job interviews or school presentations.
Members of DECA, a national entrepreneurship organization, find the resource particularly useful for practicing their interview skills in appropriate attire.
Though Girl Scouts require 85 hours of service for the Gold Award, DeDonato invested over 100 hours into her initiative, which she affectionately dubbed “Project Runway.”
From this experience, she gained valuable insights.
“I think it really built my confidence,” she said, noting how seeing others uplifted her own spirits.
One memorable instance for her was witnessing the positive change she was fostering—one close friend even joined Girl Scouts to start her own community project.
DeDonato expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m pleased that people are becoming more aware of the issues around us. Hopefully, it encourages them to help others.” She is set to receive her Gold Award in May.
In her college application essay, titled “Empowering Women from the Inside Out,” she reflected on how managing this project shaped her future aspirations.
“I want to be a teacher, helping younger students find their paths,” she shared, adding with a chuckle, “And of course, making sure they’re dressed appropriately.”
