Dec 22, 2015 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – When Ken and Caitlin Carlisle began accepting donated suits for veterans at their insurance office in Waynesburg last month, they expected the drive would bring in a few.

Instead, the couple has received more than 300 from the community – with more still coming in every day – prompting them to store the overflow of suits in every corner of the office and even their home. After a couple days, it was clear the drive would be an immense success, Caitlin said.

“It’s blossomed into this amazing network of support,” Caitlin said. “The appeal is it’s something small people can do. We just opened our doors and the suits came in. It rippled through the community and has had a big impact.”

The “Suits for Soldiers” donation drive organized by Farmers Insurance includes agents from across the country with all the suits going directly to veterans who are searching for jobs and preparing to transition into civilian life.

Farmers Insurance has performed similar suit donation drives in the past, but this was the first time it’s been done in the company’s Atlantic region that includes Pennsylvania and five surrounding states. The company set a modest goal of 5,000 for that region, and although it’s too early to know exactly how many suits were donated, the outpouring of support has well exceeded most expectations.

“All agents have had such great involvement,” Caitlin said of the companywide effort. “It’s been very successful.”

Ken said when the district organizers called to arrange a date for pickup, they told the couple a car would be sent to transport the suits.

“I told them they better bring a box truck,” Ken said.

Even after two pickups, they still have numerous suits, along with belts, shoes, sports coats and dress shirts, hanging in their office.

The collection drive has even been emotional at times. Caitlin recalled a widow who walked in with her late husband’s suit – one of the last personal items of his she still owned – and she patted it down one final time before handing it to the couple. Many veterans have also walked into the office to give their suits, knowing it will help the younger vets.

The family knows the importance of helping veterans enter the civilian world. Caitlin’s father and grandfather were in the military, along with Ken’s stepfather. Ken’s son, Ben, is a member of the Army Reserves.

The success of this particular event, which officially ran from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11, gave the couple the idea of expanding it to a yearlong drive by partnering with the American Legion in Waynesburg and other organizations to deliver suits to local vets. Anyone interested in donating can drop off a suit or other accessories off at the insurance office located at 35 S. West St. in Waynesburg.

Caitlin said they’re eager to see if the momentum will continue throughout the year.

“It’s been immensely successful,” Caitlin said. “That’s an understatement.”