CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University will celebrate the opening of Okra Threads, a community clothing closet for students, faculty and staff, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 22, at 3:30 p.m. on the third floor of the H.L. Nowell Union.
The grand opening will follow the ceremony, and the closet will remain open until 6 p.m.
Okra Threads expands on the university’s OkraSuits initiative, which provides professional attire. The new program offers a wider selection of clothing, including casual wear, seasonal items, shoes and accessories, as well as clothing for the entire family.
Available items include suits, blazers, dresses, shirts, slacks, jeans, coats, sweaters and rainwear. Clothing for graduation ceremonies, conferences, performances and formal events also will be available as inventory allows.
The closet is open to current Delta State students, faculty and staff without requiring proof of financial need, personal identification or an explanation of their circumstances. The program aims to provide access to clothing while prioritizing dignity and privacy.
“I’m excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Okra Threads,” said Dr. Eddie Lovin, vice president for student affairs at Delta State. “In just four months, our campus and local community have come together around a shared goal: creating a welcoming resource where students can find clothing for any occasion and feel confident, prepared, and supported.”
The Office of Engagement and Advocacy administers the program, with Delta State First Lady Jennifer Ennis serving as volunteer coordinator alongside the Statesmen Pioneers and other student and community volunteers.
The initiative includes seasonal inventory rotation and year-round donation intake. Campus clothing drives, alumni and retiree involvement, and partnerships with local retailers and alumni-owned businesses help maintain the closet’s inventory.
Lovin said the program demonstrates how the university community can work together to support students.
“Okra Threads is more than a clothing resource; it is a meaningful example of what we can accomplish when a community works together to meet students where they are,” he said.
