Cutler Cleaners shared the holiday joy with a local non-profit, Riverside House. Richard Diaz, the owner and general manager of Cutler Cleaners (on the border of both the Village of Pinecrest and the Village of Palmetto Bay), donated complimentary dry cleaning services for four bags of women’s clothing donated to Riverside House in East Little Havana.
Riverside House is a residential reentry center for ex-offenders that exists to guide the formerly incarcerated into becoming productive citizens through a nondenominational, faith-based approach. They received a gift from an anonymous group of twelve Coral Gables women who gather regularly to carry out philanthropic efforts. The women donated both business and casual wear to the women of Riverside House. The women’s group read about Riverside House in a December story in the Miami Herald and thought they could fill a need.
The head of Riverside House’s women’s program, Mrs. Michelle Jenkins-Taylor said, “I am excited to have these clothes so our residents can dress to impress on job interviews.” Jenkins-Taylor mentioned how crucial the casual clothing is because the residents have a lot of needs when they come to the facility; she said that Riverside House is always in need of toiletries, clothing, and unused socks and underwear for both men and women clients.
Richard Diaz of Cutler Cleaners said, “I love opportunities to use our skills and resources to help people in their time of need. Clothing plays a lead role in a first impression. I hope a sharp set of clothes inspires a star performance for the ladies of Riverside House.” This is truly a story of neighbors helping neighbors during the holiday season.
