About & Founders Story

The Story

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Eliza Chandler & Elizabeth Stribling launched The Undergarment Society on Sunday, March 12, 2017, with a Mardi Bra Party. Eliza was inspired by an article about such an event and decided to see what she could do here in Charleston.  Elizabeth had recently taken her daughters to the local women’s march and wanted to do something more. The inaugural event led to a collection of over 300 new bras and underwear.

 

Through word of mouth, The Undergarment Society has flourished, with 60 +parties and over 10,000 undergarments donated as well as becoming recognized as a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization.

 

Through generous grants from the Joanna Foundation  & The Post & Courier, The Undergarment Society purchased a mobile donation center, The US BUS, in order to serve more women and properly inventory the valuable donations. 

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Party With a Purpose

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The mission of The Undergarment Society is to provide new undergarments to women living in transitional housing as a result of domestic violence, homelessness, or other unsafe conditions.

 

New bras and underwear provide dignity to women who need to start anew. While shelters provide assistance such as temporary housing and used clothes, brand new undergarments will help empower vulnerable women and girls to make a positive change for themselves.

 

The Undergarment Society invites women in Charleston and surrounding areas to host a “Party with a Purpose.” By attaching donation collection to social groups, we can harness the power of community. A “Party with A Purpose” creates avenues for meaningful social change.