Platinum Dry Cleaners “Empower Wear”

Platinum Dry Cleaners, a Naples, FL based full-service dry clean and laundry operation with two retail locations, 12 delivery routes from South Lee County to Marco Island, a 12,000 sq ft processing facility, and 40 employees celebrates its 35th Anniversary in 2024. In commemorating the milestone, Platinum showed its thanks to the SWFL community by giving back with a month-long charitable clothing collection program to benefit Dress for Success SWFL. The collection event ran from March 15, 2024, thru April 15, 2024. The count is now at 1,500 pieces donated.

The “EMPOWER WEAR” collection program in conjunction with the national affiliation of America's Best Cleaners, provided gently worn professional and business casual clothing for SWFL women in need by helping them achieve economic independence and access employment opportunities by providing proper attire for interviewing, professional meetings, and corporate protocol.

Platinum Dry Cleaners route customers received a hang tag and text the day before their scheduled delivery. An EmpowerWear garment bag was provided along with the normal dry cleaning delivery, and Platinum then collected the donations on pick-up day. Donations were tax deductible and receipts were included with the donation bag.

Dress for Success SWFL Executive Director, Jennifer Nelson, said, “Dress for Success SWFL is proud to partner with Platinum Dry Cleaners through the new EmpowerWear initiative, a powerful collaboration aimed at ensuring women have the clothing and employment readiness support they need as they take the next important step in their career journey. Appropriate clothing is the basic foundation every woman needs to look and feel confident as she showcases her skills and abilities in an interview or new job. By donating items they no longer need, EmpowerWear donors are empowering local women and promoting environmental sustainability, making a real impact across the region.”

Craig Bamberg, Managing Partner of Platinum Dry Cleaners offers, “We are committed to making a positive impact by joining DFS SWFL in empowering women in the workplace and fulfilling our mission of circularity by reusing apparel in the nonprofit space. With so many women and single mothers being set back economically after the pandemic, our goal is that this program will help build confidence, esteem, and success. Southwest Florida is aware of Platinum showing its community support at every opportunity, as we celebrate our 35th year, there is no better way to display!”