MCC Hosts Professional Clothing Drives for Second Annual “Pop-up Shop” This Spring

In partnership with The Wish Project, Middlesex Community College will host the second annual professional clothing pop-up shop for students in the Spring 2026 semester. Ahead of the shop, Middlesex is running clothing drives on both campuses through Saturday, January 31.

“We were floored by the success of the first pop-up shop held last year and are thrilled to once again offer students this amazing opportunity,” said Allison Chambers, MCC’s Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer. “Having a free professional clothing pop-up shop on-campus reduces barriers students may face in accessing work-ready outfits. The shop removes the stress of paying high costs and needing to find time to go out shopping. This results in more prepared and confident students who are ready to take on the workforce.”

The goal of MCC’s pop-up shop is to help students have more successful interviews and work experiences while empowering them to feel more comfortable. Staff and faculty across the college are collaborating to run the clothing drives and pop-up shop, including Student Affairs, Facilities, Finance, and more.

MCC is also partnering with The Wish Project to ensure the college collects clean professional clothing for students. All unselected items from the pop-up shops will be sent back to The Wish Project to be stocked in their warehouse or recycled.

“Everyone at The Wish Project is very excited to once again collect interview clothes for the students of MCC,” said Priscila Keliher, Executive Director of the Wish Project. “Students already juggle the pressures of finishing up their education and learning to navigate the professional world. By providing interview attire, we help students feel confident, prepared and focused on what truly matters: their education, skills, and potential. We are happy to help the students of MCC stand tall and proud as they take their next steps toward a successful career.”

MCC is asking for professional clothing such as blazers and sport jackets, blouses and sweaters, dress shirts and pants, dresses and skirts, and dress shoes. The college asks for clothes that are recently washed; lightly used; free of stains, holes or tears; are in current styles within the past few years; and appropriate for a variety of settings.

During the clothing drives, MCC will have drop-off locations in the lobby of the Lowell Cowan Center and on Main Street on the Bedford Campus.

“Going into a job or internship interview can be stressful and feeling good about what you’re wearing really does make a difference,” said Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “Our pop-up shop is about helping students feel confident and prepared, whether they’re interviewing, giving a class presentation, or meeting people in the community. We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated and to our partners at The Wish Project. This collaboration and support help us make sure students have access to opportunities and experiences that go beyond the classroom.”

For more information about MCC’s upcoming clothing drives and pop-up shop, contact McGinness Olson at McGinnessN@middlesex.edu.