With prom season around the corner volunteers at the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove are creating a little shop full of hundreds of stylish gowns and accessories. Creating a fairytale night is an entire ministry for this group.
For nearly a decade now, a back room of the church has been storing gowns in order to help folks who don't have or want to spend $100 to $600 on a dress they will likely only wear once. The Blessed Dress Ministry serves the community by giving these gently used dresses away for free.
On Wednesday night, a half-dozen volunteers gathered to rummage through hundreds of gowns checking on sizes and determining if they were in need of some spot cleaning or discarding. They found a few that had perhaps already spent all the magic one dress could have on someone else's fairytale night. They even found a man's suit somehow in the mix. Some got the Magic Eraser treatment.
For nearly a decade now, a back room of the church has been storing gowns in order to help folks who don't have or want to spend $100 to $600 on a dress they will likely only wear once. The Blessed Dress Ministry serves the community by giving these gently used dresses away for free.
On Wednesday night, a half-dozen volunteers gathered to rummage through hundreds of gowns checking on sizes and determining if they were in need of some spot cleaning or discarding. They found a few that had perhaps already spent all the magic one dress could have on someone else's fairytale night. They even found a man's suit somehow in the mix. Some got the Magic Eraser treatment.
They seemed to have fun as they picked through them, often stopping to hold one to admire it further. "These are gorgeous dresses," said Hazel Kean who is chairing the committee this year.
From goofy to sleek to "too short for anyone to wear," they have just about any style of gown one could imagine.
"If someone wants to be a princess, [this is the dress]," said Sarah DeLong who has volunteered for a few years.
From goofy to sleek to "too short for anyone to wear," they have just about any style of gown one could imagine.
"If someone wants to be a princess, [this is the dress]," said Sarah DeLong who has volunteered for a few years.
Since the start of the program, they have helped around 200 girls attend their prom dressed to the nines. Each year they serve between 20 and 40 girls. "Usually more come on Thursday, maybe around 20," said DeLong who added that they see around 10 more on Saturday.
Kean said that because of COVID they didn't advertise this year outside of Venango County but said these gowns are for whoever needs one.
Kean said that because of COVID they didn't advertise this year outside of Venango County but said these gowns are for whoever needs one.
According to promgirl.com this year's fashions - sequins are in. They should be worn head to toe the website explained.
Embroidered gowns are also a smart fashion statement, especially with a rhinestone embellishment. The website also thinks boldly featuring your back will be a head-turner statement as well as one-shoulder dresses that give an asymmetrical look.
And yes all of these styles and more can be found crammed onto the racks in this church.
Embroidered gowns are also a smart fashion statement, especially with a rhinestone embellishment. The website also thinks boldly featuring your back will be a head-turner statement as well as one-shoulder dresses that give an asymmetrical look.
And yes all of these styles and more can be found crammed onto the racks in this church.
"Ooof, that is poofy," joked DeLong as she pulled one dress out to inspect.
There are two chances to peruse the many dresses - Thursday (tonight) from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The church is located at 350 Front Street, Franklin. For more information, you can call them at 814-432-8664 or visit them on Facebook.
There are two chances to peruse the many dresses - Thursday (tonight) from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The church is located at 350 Front Street, Franklin. For more information, you can call them at 814-432-8664 or visit them on Facebook.
Kean said that they are always accepting new donations and that often girls will bring the dresses back when they are done so someone else can enjoy the gown in the future. She said anyone with an old gown they no longer want and is still in good shape can contact the church.
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