FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Blue Jacket, the popular Fort Wayne nonprofit that turns lives around through job training, has issued an urgent plea: they are completely out of professional clothing for the men and women stepping into their academy this week.
Right now, twenty graduates showed up Monday morning ready to be fitted for interview outfits, and the shelves were nearly bare.
“We gave out 3,650 pieces of clothing last year alone, double what we planned for,” said Tony Hudson, CEO of Blue Jacket. “That’s incredible success, but it also means we start 2026 with almost nothing left.”
The Blue Jacket Academy is a free, intense two-week program that teaches everything from resume writing and interview skills to workplace etiquette and emotional intelligence. Every graduate leaves with a sharp business outfit so they can walk into any interview looking the part.
Hudson says the right clothes do more than cover a body; they restore dignity.
“When someone puts on that suit or dress for the first time, you can see their shoulders go back and their chin lift,” he said. “They start believing they belong in that job.”
What They Need Right Now
Blue Jacket accepts clean, gently-used or new professional clothing in all sizes, especially:
- Men’s suits, sport coats, and dress pants
- Dress shirts and blouses
- Ties, belts, and dress shoes
- Women’s suits, blazers, professional dresses, and slacks
- Plus sizes are in very high demand
They happily take items that need dry-cleaning; they’ll handle it.
Where to Drop Off Donations This Week
You can bring donations to any of these three locations, open regular business hours:
- Blue Jacket Clothing Company – 4633 Lima Road
- Renew by Blue Jacket – 6406 E State Blvd
- Blue Jacket, Inc. headquarters – 2826 S Calhoun Street
Every single piece makes a difference. One donated suit can change someone’s future.
From Barriers to Breakthroughs
Since 2003, Blue Jacket has helped more than 3,000 people with criminal records, addiction recovery, homelessness, or long-term unemployment land good jobs. Many graduates now work at Parkview Health, General Motors, Sweetwater, and dozens of other Fort Wayne employers.
The academy currently has its largest classes ever, with demand still climbing in 2026.
“We’re seeing more people than ever who want to work and just need someone to give them a fair shot,” Hudson said. “A simple donation of clothes says to them, ‘We believe in you.’”
If you’ve got professional clothes hanging in your closet that you haven’t worn in years, this is the week to pass them on.
One suit. One dress. One tie.
It might just be the confidence someone needs to hear the words, “You’re hired.”
Drop off your donation today and help Fort Wayne keep changing lives, one outfit at a time.
What’s the last piece of clothing you gave away that meant a lot to someone? Drop your story in the comments below and tag a friend who needs to see this. Let’s flood Blue Jacket with donations this week.
