Sue Farrell believes that fashion is not just about clothing. It is a tool for changing lives—a tool that can uplift spirits and heal hearts.
At 77 years old, Sue is a full-time director of the organization Boots to Suits, which is dedicated to providing free high-end business attire for veterans transitioning to civilian life and careers.
After her husband Joe Farrell, a Navy nuclear engineer, passed away, Sue had the idea to establish Boots to Suits. Joe had a successful transition from the military to a corporate career, eventually becoming a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
With Joe’s impressive background, including an MBA from Harvard University, he navigated the transition from the military to corporate life smoothly. However, many of his fellow service members were not as fortunate.
When Joe passed away in 2013, Sue saw his closet filled with high-end business attire and decided to use it to support other veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Sue reached out to several organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, McGuire Veterans Hospital, the Virginia Employment Commission, Virginia Wounded Warriors, and the Virginia Transition Assistance Program.
“I brought them all to the table and said, ‘I have an idea, I’d like to see if I can get your support,'” she said.
Each organization was willing to assist, and things naturally fell into place. That was in 2014. Soon, they were providing clothing for 100 to 150 veterans annually. Today, that number has surged to 900 individuals.
“How many in total?” Sue said, “We have actually provided clothing for over 5,300 male and female veterans.”
The program has expanded to Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida.
Veterans seeking assistance need to visit the Boots to Suits website and fill out an application. After review by the Virginia Transition Assistance Program office, the veteran’s name is sent to Sue’s assistant, who will send a sizing chart. The veteran then goes to Richmond for a fitting.
The staff at Boots to Suits prepares a range of suitable clothing, and when the veterans arrive, the exciting moment begins.
“We have a lot of fun with them,” Sue said. “They usually come in wearing blue jeans, flip flops, and a T-shirt, quite casual. They’re not really sure what they’re getting into.”
After trying on the first outfit and stepping out of the fitting room, each veteran has the opportunity to see themselves in the mirror. That’s when the joy sets in—Sue said she always sees an “incredible radiance” on the veterans’ faces.
They have a variety of clothing options, from business casual to formal wear. Each veteran leaves with at least two complete outfits, usually including two dress shirts, six ties, an Italian pair of shoes, a suit jacket or sport coat, and one or two dress belts. Veterans may also receive a suit or two sets of casual business attire.
“We have professional stylists who make home visits,” Sue said.
Typically, veterans start off shy, but as they leave with bags full of clothing, they are usually beaming with joy.
“We have people donating very high-end materials to us,” Sue said. “I have a wonderful donor who gave me beautiful Italian-imported shoes, all brand new.”
Approximately 75% to 80% of the inventory clothing comes from donations, while about 25% is purchased with funds from corporate donors.
These donations allow them to purchase clothes for individuals with unconventional body types. A recent recipient of a suit was 6 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 350 pounds. As he walked out the door, he proudly became the new owner of various suits, jackets, casual pants, belts, ties, and even a pair of Italian shoes usually valued at up to $800.
“He was ecstatic,” Sue said. “He’s like a big teddy bear, and he was so appreciative.”
Boots to Suits does not accept outdated clothes, preferring modern styles to provide the best experience for veterans typically aged between 35 and 45.
“I just want the best, anyone can donate,” Sue said. “I’m picky. I’m not going to put my veterans in any junk clothes.”
If the clothes do not meet Sue’s standards, they are donated to other charitable organizations.
The majority of these veterans spent most of their career in combat units. Being able to provide them with such high-end clothing brings immense joy to Sue and her volunteer team.
“It’s an exciting experience. We feel very privileged to work with these amazing patriots,” she said.
Working with those who have been injured in combat particularly moves Sue.
“Every time they come out of that dressing room and see themselves in the mirror, what we see is this beautiful radiance,” she told The Epoch Times. “That’s our greatest reward.”