CSX Donates New Clothes for ECC Students

Unpacking the boxes of professional clothing donated by CSX to Edgecombe Community College are (from left) staff members Camille Richardson, Johanna Underwood, John Ward, and Tim Fox.

Edgecombe Community College will officially open a clothes closet for students at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, thanks to a donation of professional clothing from CSX.

Called the Eagle’s Nest, the new initiative is located in a former Respiratory Therapy skills lab in the Barnes Building on the Rocky Mount campus.

CSX, through the non-profit Dignity U Wear, has donated 600 pounds of new clothing, ranging from men’s and women’s undergarments to shirts and slacks.

Students will be able to select and try on outfits for job interviews and employment in the Eagle’s Nest.

“In addition to clothing, students also will have access to valuable job-seeking and interviewing tips as part of their experience in the Eagle’s Nest,” says Samanthia Phillips, dean of students.

“We are so grateful to CSX and Dignity U Wear for the clothing,” she adds. “Making a good impression is a critical first step in the hiring process, and thanks to these organizations, our students will be dressed for the workplace.”

In order to qualify, students will be required to demonstrate need and complete an online course that covers interviewing techniques, business-appropriate attire, and suitable workplace behavior.

In the near future, the college will accept new and gently-used professional clothing. The clothing will be made available to students on an as-needed basis.

A student in need of proper interview attire can contact Johanna Underwood, student support counselor, in the Office of Student Services.

Underwood, in conjunction with Career Services Counselor Camille Richardson, will connect students to valuable resources in preparation for their job interview.

Edgecombe Community College also provides assistance to students through other services, such as childcare assistance; COMMUTEdge, a shuttle service between campuses; and the Bicycle program, which pairs donated bicycles with students who have transportation issues.

In addition, the college’s Student Success Centers on each campus offer resources to students that include assistance with applications, registration, student planning, tutoring, and goal setting.

Please join ECC for the opening of the Eagle’s Nest at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, in Room 201, Barnes Building, Rocky Mount campus.

The Eagle’s Nest will remain open until 2 p.m. for visitors.