AAPN Members Lend Helping Hands to Produce Habitat for Humanity 'Wearables'

Bobbin, Oct, 1999

Habitat for Humanity International, the volunteer organization that builds affordable housing for families in need in communities around the world, recently has been getting a few helping hands that cannot only work a hammer, but also sew a stitch.

Members of the trade group the American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) are producing "Wearables" apparel designed and marketed by Habitat for Humanity. The clothing, which ranges from polo knit shirts and ties to baseball caps, features innovative designs that creatively display the Habitat for Humanity logo and themes. In addition, the AAPN's members are fulfilling orders for a new Habitat program that markets special gift requests.

"Our objective is to let people know that high-quality apparel is being made in their communities. Not only is it 'Made in the U.S.A.,' but people can actually see where these clothes come from and how they benefit this great cause," commented Mike Todaro, managing director, AAPN.

According to Todaro, the clothing has been a great success, with dozens of items currently in development, including various styles of bib overalls and a line of golf shirts for volunteers to wear as they build houses. The public also can order these lines as a show of support for the cause.

All profits from merchandise will go toward Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty-level housing.