SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Men's Wearhouse and California State legislators want capitol workers and Sacramento-area residents to shed their gently used professional attire at the California State Capitol Suit Drive Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Senator Office Building at 1121 L Street.

Scheduled to join Men's Wearhouse representatives at a noon press conference tomorrow in the State Capitol (room 125) are:

    --  President pro Tempore of the Senate Darrell Steinberg
    --  Assembly Speaker John A. Perez
    --  Institute of Governmental Advocates President Jackson Gualco

They will also make their own donations benefiting Californians affected by one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, at nearly 13 percent.*

"California has been hit hard by this global economic meltdown and record unemployment," Steinberg said. "As our state turns the corner and looks toward better times, we enthusiastically support this effort by Men's Wearhouse and the Institute of Governmental Advocates to empower workers seeking new employment opportunities."

Throughout the day, state legislators, lobbyists, and staffers may bring their gently used business attire for men and women -- suits, pants, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts, and shoes -- to the event and will receive a tax receipt.

All items collected will go to career-related local nonprofits that help people transitioning back into the workforce, including Crossroads Diversified/Works One Stop Career Center, Women's Empowerment, Overcomer's Program, and the Greater Sacramento Urban League.

The first-ever California State Capitol Suit Drive is an extension of similar philanthropic events by Men's Wearhouse, one of the largest specialty retailers of men's apparel. Next month, Men's Wearhouse will roll out its National Suit Drive (www.nationalsuitdrive.com), which has generated hundreds of thousands of articles of used clothing for nonprofits throughout the country, collecting suits at all of its U.S. locations.

Men's Wearhouse CEO and founder George Zimmer said the Sacramento drive is part of his company's ongoing effort to support the national workforce and help those displaced by the recession to get back on their feet.

"Looking professional not only affects the people who see you, but how you see yourself," Zimmer said. "The State Capitol Suit Drive gives job-seekers an extra boost of confidence as they re-enter the market."

About Men's Wearhouse

Since it was founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse has become one of the largest specialty retailers of men's apparel in the country, with 1,259 stores carrying a full selection of designer and private-label suits, sport coats, casualwear, and accessories. Today, The Men's Wearhouse, Inc. family of companies includes Men's Wearhouse, MW Cleaners, K&G Fashion Superstore, TwinHill Corporate Apparel, and Moores Clothing for Men in Canada, making it one of North America's leading providers of quality and value in both apparel and apparel care. For additional information, please visit the company's website at menswearhouse.com.

About The Institute of Governmental Advocates

The Institute of Governmental Advocates (IGA) is a voluntary, nonpartisan association representing the leading professional lobbyists and lobbying firms in California's capital. Their primary mission is to protect and defend the first amendment rights of lobbyists to advocate on behalf of their clients in California's legislature, the governor's office, and the agencies, boards, and commissions of the executive branch of state government.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

SOURCE Men's Wearhouse