A local businesswoman is once again asking women to clean out their closets and donate to aspiring businesswomen in the area.

The third annual Dress for Success clothing drive takes place through Sept. 23. The clothes will be donated to a local organization that helps disadvantaged women acquire job skills.

“We are asking folks to open up their closets and look for the things they don’t wear any more and give them a second life and a new home with a woman who could use it,” said Margie Wiley, an Edward Jones financial adviser.

The Dress for Success organization takes women recommended by Social Services and teaches them how to interview, write resumes and obtain job skills. Once they complete the course, they are able to select three outfits to wear on job interviews. As time goes on, they can acquire more outfits.

Wiley said she supports the program, because it doesn’t just offer a handout.

“I’m a firm believer that if you help people by teaching them a skill, they’re able to continue to take care of themselves,” she said.

Shoes, purses and other accessories are encouraged, along with women’s business attire.

This is Wiley’s third year hosting the drive. She collected about 500 pieces of clothing at her office the past two years.

Wiley said that while there are a number of places to donate unwanted clothes, Dress for Success is an especially good one.

“They’re going to someone that really, really needs them and will be able to put them to good use,” she said.

To donate, take the clothes to Wiley’s office at 3005 Corporate Lane, Suite 300, during normal business hours through Sept. 23. The clothes do not have to be laundered beforehand. A partnership with a dry cleaner takes care of that, Wiley said.

Call 539-5800 for more information.

For more information on how to get help through the Dress for Success program, call 961-7148 or visit hamptonroads.dressforsuccess.org.