“The program is so special to us because it really helps to promote self-confidence for high school teens and enables them and their families to worry about one less thing in this economy,” says Lindsay Ackley, executive director of Clothes That Work.
The project is a program of that organization, which now partners with The Links, Inc.
Close to 1,000 gowns have been collected over the years and distributed to area girls who delight in finding the perfect gown and accessories.
“You can’t help but smile when you see the girls trying on dresses and complimenting one another,” said Ackley.
“For the time that they’re here, they get to be teenage girls and not worry about other things.”
You can be the Fairy Godmother to a girl by donating the formal dresses you aren’t using.
So many girls and women, says Ackley, have bridesmaids dresses in their closet or a prom dress they’ve worn only once or twice.
All kinds of dressy dresses in every size are needed.
Sizes 18 and above are especially in demand. Gowns can be short or long, vintage gowns are welcome also.
In addition to the dresses, you’re urged to bring accessories: purses, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories.
Items will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Clothes That Work, 1133 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton. Tax deduction slips are available.
“We are also accepting dresses here at Clothes That Work from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday through March 10, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 10,” said Ackley.
Other drop-off locations: The members of Generation Dayton are collecting gowns for the project, which can be taken to the Dayton Chamber of Commerce during weekday business hours. It’s located at One Chamber Plaza in the Dayton Convention Center.
Oakwood Florist, 2313 Far Hills Ave., is also a collection site, as is the student union at Wright State University on Fridays through March 16.
If you know a girl in need of a gown, the Fairy Godmother dress distribution will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. You’re welcome to come.
An essay contest in connection with the project is being sponsored by The Links.
The contest and rules are available on the Clothes That Work website www.clothesthatwork.org. The winners will be contacted prior to March 17 and will receive additional prom-related goodies.
For more information, call (937) 222-3778.
If your nonprofit organization would like to publish its wish list, please send details to Meredith Moss: mmoss@coxohio.com Be sure to include a daytime phone number.
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