During this election season, some of us may get a little tired of hearing about politics. Two of our local political groups, however, are showing that there can be positive things that come from collaborating and reaching out to the community. We see this locally with the Garrett County Republican Women’s Club’s Dress for Success initiative and the local Democratic Club’s successful “Let’s Drive” program.
Garrett County Republican Women’s Club’s Dress for Success Pop-Up Store
The Garrett County Republican Women’s Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering women in the community by organizing a Dress for Success pop-up store. This initiative offers a wide variety of women’s clothing at no cost, aiming to support women who are entering or are already in the workforce, as well as those in need of professional attire. “The goal of the store is to help women put their best foot forward, to feel confident and ready to enter the workforce, thrive in their current workplace or maybe just want a new outfit,” GCRWC member Patty Hammond stated.
The store, located on the basement level of 221 S. 3rd Street, Oakland, in the building that Breathe Grace Medical Supply occupies, has recently been restocked with over 1,000 new clothing items, thanks to the generosity of club members and other ladies of the community who have generously donated professional gently used clothing to stock the store. Furthermore, the GCRWC is still accepting donations of professional clothing. The store is open on a temporary basis and currently hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Available items include blazers, slacks, dresses, suits, blouses, dress shoes, cocktail attire, belts, and accessories. This extensive selection allows women to curate complete outfits that help them feel confident and prepared for any professional setting.
One of the most memorable events hosted by the store was held on St. Patrick’s Day last year, featuring a “Bag of Gold” theme. Customers were given a large plastic bag and encouraged to fill it with as many clothing items, accessories, and shoes as they could. All items were free, making it a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Dr. Brenda Thiam, a candidate for Congress, praised the initiative, saying, “Wonderful idea! Thank you to the Garrett County Republican Women’s Club for helping women look the part.”
This initiative not only helps women put their best foot forward but also plays a vital role in fostering confidence and success in the workplace. The Garrett County Republican Women’s Club continues to make a positive impact by providing these resources to women in the community.
For more information, or if you have any questions, you can reach out to the organizers at 301-501-0444.
Garrett County’s “Let’s Drive” Program: Empowering Youth Through Driver’s Education Scholarships
Garrett County Community Action, in collaboration with the Garrett County Democratic Club, is making a significant impact on the lives of local youth through the “Let’s Drive” scholarship program. Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to provide Garrett County students with the opportunity to take a Driver’s Education course and obtain their driver’s license—a critical step toward independence, employment, and further education.
“We launched ‘Let’s Drive’ when we learned that Drivers Ed is no longer taught in high schools, and students need to pay to take a course,” said Lori Richards of the Garrett County Democratic Club. Richards elaborated on the program’s intent and beginnings saying, “That can be a real hardship for some students and their families. In our rural county, you really need a license and a car to get around! We’re thrilled to help these fantastic kids learn to drive safely, and be able to get to jobs, school and activities.
The “Let’s Drive” scholarship is open to students aged 15 and older, with priority given to those facing financial hardships. Since its inception, the program has enabled over 100 students to learn to drive, thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors, and grantors within the community. ““Let’s Drive scholarships are funded by donations to Community Action on their website. Donations to the program have helped us to keep it going, but this Fall we’re aiming to increase the number of scholarships we award. Whether you’re a visitor, a full-time or part-time resident of Garrett County — making a donation is a great way to give back to the community and support its young people,” Richards continued.
The importance of this scholarship cannot be overstated. While completing a Driver’s Education course is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a driver’s license, such courses are no longer part of the high school curriculum. Instead, students must now pay for private Driver’s Ed classes, which can be prohibitively expensive for many families. Without this scholarship, many students would face significant barriers to obtaining a driver’s license, limiting their opportunities for jobs, education, and independence.
Every dollar donated to the “Let’s Drive” program goes directly toward covering the cost of Driver’s Education courses for Garrett County students. This means that the impact of each donation is both immediate and profound, giving young people the tools they need to succeed.
Local businesses are also encouraged to get involved as sponsors. Sponsorship levels are structured to maximize the number of students who can benefit:
● Bronze Sponsor ($1,050): Helps 3 students learn to drive
● Silver Sponsor ($2,100): Helps 6 students learn to drive
● Gold Sponsor ($3,150): Helps 9 students learn to drive
● Marquis Sponsor (donations over $5,000): Supports 14 or more students
In recognition of their contributions, sponsors are acknowledged in press releases, fundraising efforts, and during the awarding of scholarships to students.
For those interested in supporting this vital program, donations can be made by sending a check to Community Action at 104 E. Center St., Oakland, MD 21550, or via PayPal through the “Let’s Drive” page on the Garrett County Community Action website. All donations are tax-deductible, as Community Action is a 501(c)(3) organization.
To become a sponsor or for more information, you can reach out via email at tolori@verizon.net or by calling (202) 716-0204.
Written by Collen DuBose