Bloomers in Shirlington is encouraging women to take off their bras for a good cause. This Saturday, May 19, the store will host its 2nd Annual Bra Drive.
The drive started last year at the Old Town store, and this year the newer Shirlington location (4150 Campbell Avenue) will participate as well. Donations of new or gently used bras are accepted, and will be given to BraRecyclers. The organization distributes bras around the world to women and girls who have been stricken by disaster, or are in a state of transitioning back into self-sufficiency.
Megan Monticone, who is in charge of social media for Bloomers, explained that although all styles and sizes are needed, there is a particular need for donations of maternity bras, nursing bras and bras for larger breasted women, such as sizes DD and higher. Those tend to be harder to come by and more expensive than other types of bras.
“For women who are in positions of trying to transition, it’s hard to get the right size and be able to afford it,” Monticone said.
Customers can bring in bras to the Shirlington location from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Anyone who donates will receive a 20% discount off the cost of one new bra at Bloomers. Customers who donate will also receive a tank top, while supplies last. Those who can’t make it on Saturday are encouraged to drop off a donation any time this week, but the discount will only apply on Saturday.
Bloomers will also donate $1 to BraRecyclers for every new “Like” on its Facebook page during the month of May.