Buffalo, NY (WKBW) — From any measurement, any option, any color on the rack.
“Now remember your shoes. Let’s get them right,” said DeWitt Lee, founder of St. Brian Clottiers. “So we’re thinking burgundy, right?”
Our first “Suit Up for the Holidays” free menswear giveaway had everything we needed to feel as comfortable on the inside as we did on the outside.
“I feel like a completely different person when I put it on,” said Buffalo resident Ramone Volmer in her new suit. “It makes me feel like I’m part of something. It makes me feel like I’m someone.”
Lee said the idea came about after the May 14 tragedy in Topps when he felt the need to support men attending funerals.
“This is a continuation of our giving back by serving the men in our community and getting them dressed for my daughter’s graduation and the highlight of her life,” Lee said.
A collaboration of St. Brian Clothiers, Hispanic Heritage Council, Colvin Cleaners, and Buffalo Black Billion was meant to outfit the community for success.
“Make sure they know when they’re going to an interview, if it’s an interview, if it’s to go to church, or just to have a good time,” said Michael Norwood of the Buffalo Black Billion. “Men want to look beautiful.”
“What I mean is that young people brought home ties, H&M suits, new Ralph Lauren shirts with tags, and a few pairs of Stacey Adams shoes for free,” Lee said.
But many who stopped by the Reverend Bennett-Smith Family Life Center said they got more than new clothes.
“There’s a lot of negative things happening in the world at the moment,” said 19-year-old Norman McCarter. “So I think it’s really great to be able to get out and have an event like this to bring us together and I think we’re going crazy.”
“If we have a chance to go one-on-one with someone and catch them before they slip, that’s our goal,” Lee said.
“I feel blessed,” said Vollmer. “I feel great. I am surrounded by my brothers in the church, encouragement, happiness, love and respect. This is the best thing ever.”
Giveaways will run again on Monday, December 19th from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
