If you were facing the enormous challenge of rebuilding your life, wouldn’t you want to do it draped in a soft scarf with sparkly baubles on your ears and comfortable shoes on your feet? Imagine a discouraged job seeker dressed for success and feeling not only respected — but beautiful. This is the mission of Wardrobe For Opportunity (WFO). Next week I’ll be the guest speaker at a fundraiser for this worthwhile organization, and you can participate in a way that will help you too Grow More Beautiful.

“Every client is treated with dignity and respect, and everything we do here at WFO should reflect that,” said Mia Georgiou of WFO. Mia and I were chatting about the types of clothing WFO was most in need of. “Our clients may only receive one suit and they will need to wear it to multiple appointments, so accessories are really important. We need purses, shoes, jewelry, belts and ties for men. ”

As soon as I hung up the phone I challenged myself to find some great accessories to part with — ouch! I have no problem giving away clothes that aren’t flattering, but I hang onto accessories because they don’t take up much room, thinking perhaps I will make use of them “later.” But I asked myself: Did I really need more than one red purse? Could I possibly wear all of these black shoes? Plus, there must be scarves and jewelry I wouldn’t miss. I have so much. We all do.

As I dug deeper, I found more and more items I could part with. I started putting accessory “ensembles” together; a necklace and earrings with a pair of shoes, a scarf with just the right bag. A reservoir of energy spurred me on as I worked on my task, the joy of creating with the added pleasure of knowing a woman in need could go on a job interview feeling supported and worthy because she was wearing something pretty.

I love accessories for their expressive potential. You can share in the creativity by making a meaningful donation. For inspiration, visit WFO’s compelling website (www.wardrobe.org) and see the faces of real people who need our support. I’ve made it known that I don’t like celebrity make-overs, but these “before and after” photos are ones I can get behind.