Suffolk County Ladies of the Legislature Launch Women's History Month Clothing Drive

Five Suffolk County legislators known informally as the “Ladies of the Legislature” are running a countywide clothing drive from March 1 through March 31 to support women facing economic hardship and those entering or re-entering the workforce. Legislators Leslie Kennedy, Trish Bergin, Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.), Ann Welker and Rebecca Sanin will accept donations at their respective district offices during regular business hours.

Organizers say clothing racks have been set up at each of the five district offices throughout March to collect donations of new or gently used women’s professional attire, everyday clothing, outerwear, shoes, handbags and accessories. Donors seeking a confirmed drop-off location or hours for their specific legislator are instructed to use district office contacts; Legislator Stephanie Bontempi’s district office is accepting items Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 224 Wall Street, Huntington, Suite 303, and can be reached at 631-854-4500.

The drive’s organizers say donated items will be distributed to local organizations serving women across Suffolk County. Legislator Ann Welker said, “These donations will be distributed to organizations throughout the county that help women who need clothing to rebuild their lives,” and added, “The clothing helps both the women who are looking to give new life to gently used pieces and the women who will give new life to those clothes.”

Legislator Leslie Kennedy framed the effort as mutual aid and community outreach, saying, “It’s a celebration of women and women helping women—that’s the way that I view it.” Organizers are contacting local businesses and community groups to line up support; Southshorepress reported the group “is finding strong support” as they solicit donations and in-kind help. Bontempi urged donations as part of spring cleaning, saying, “By coming together to support this initiative, we are helping local women take meaningful steps toward stability, opportunity, and build confidence,” and adding, “I appreciate everyone who is able to donate and make a real difference for organizations that support women in our community.”

The Suffolk County Legislature posted a news item promoting the campaign ahead of the drive. For donors who want immediate confirmation, county office listings show the William J. Lindsay County Complex at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown (phone 631-853-4070) and the Riverhead office at 300 Center Drive (phone 631-852-1700) as central county contacts; individual district offices should be contacted for precise drop-off instructions. The month-long drive runs through March 31, after which organizers will coordinate distribution to county agencies and nonprofit partners that assist women seeking employment and housing stability.