Delaware nonprofit helps military members dress for success

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

And in Delaware, there's a special, homegrown nonprofit helping members of the military get dressed for success.

If you have a suit that no longer fits, this group will find it a good and honorable home.

It looks like a boutique, but this warehouse in Wilmington has rows and rows of suits - each one representing a crisp, fresh start for our service members.

Star Lotta started Suiting Warriors four years ago in honor of her cousin who is in the Marine Corps.

"They can come through here, pick out a suit, a tie, a shirt, trench coats, tuxedos and women's professional wear," said Lotta.

She says she saw just how tough the transition can be for our men and women in uniform and wanted to help them get back into the civilian workforce feeling, and looking their best.

"All of the suits have to be in excellent condition - dry cleaned before we give them away. Most of the vets we see on a military base are preparing for a job fair within a week," said Lotta.

They accept all kinds of professional wear donations, from suits to dresses, ties to trench coats.

And while Suiting Warriors is based in Delaware, they host suit-up events in seven states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

They take their inventory on the road to military bases and beyond.

"In the last 2 years we have suited 2000 veterans by being mobile," said Lotta.

Lotta says it gives them hope and boosts self esteem and every suit comes with an extra special touch of gratitude.

"We give them one of these on all the suits - notes from elementary school kids," said Lotta.

They are hosting a suit up event Friday, November 11 at their warehouse in Wilmington from 1 pm - 4 pm.

For more information and to donate to Suiting Warriors, CLICK HERE.