HELPING THE COMMUNITY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Make a Difference publishes the wish lists of nonprofit organizations in our area, connecting readers with those groups in the community who are in need of new or gently used items.
If your organization would like to be included, send details to Meredith Moss: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number.
The Fairy Godmother Project was initiated locally six years ago by dynamo Marsha Froelich when she served as the executive director of Clothes That Work. The idea is to provide prom dresses and accessories to girls who might not be able to afford them.
Tragically, Marsha is no longer with us but the terrific project lives on, and our readers are always receptive when we write about it in Make a Difference.
Clothes That Work now partners with Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Original support came from Disney on Ice in an effort to allow every girl to feel like a princess on her prom day.
“It is anticipated that more than 300 girls will attend the distribution event on March 15,” said Clothes That Work director of communications Shelby Quinlivan.
Thanks to lots of dedicated volunteers prom gowns of all sizes are collected and organized before the event. They are then provided in a department store-like setting where the girls are invited to shop on a day that’s filled with fun and excitement.
“The girls will be able to try on as many dresses as they like until they find the perfect dress and coordinating accessories,” said Quinlivan, who estimates that about 750 girls have received dresses from the project. All dresses and accessories are provided at no cost.
In conjunction with the special event, The Links sponsor an essay contest for the girls who participate in Fairy Godmother. The three finalists have first pick of the dresses and are also given other prom accessories and services — limousine transportation, dinners, hair and nail services, tuxedo rental for their dates, corsages and boutonnieres and more. To learn more about the essay contest, go to www.clothesthatwork.org
Here’s what they need:
- Gently used prom, cocktail and formal dresses of all sizes
- Gently used dressy shoes
- Gently used evening bags
- Dressy jewelry
Here are the hours and addresses of businesses that are serving as collection points for the gowns and accessories. Items will be collected through Feb. 28.
- Clothes That Work, 1133 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd, Dayton, Suite 392 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday of the month).
- Dayton Chamber of Commerce at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., 2nd Floor, Ste. 200 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)
- Oakwood Florist, 2313 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood ( 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday)
- Hannah's Treasure Chest, 124 Westpark Dr., Centerville (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday)
- Logos@Work, 937 S. Patterson Blvd. Dayton (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays)
- Square One Salon & Spa, 1 N. Main St., Centerville (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.)
- Square One Salon & Spa, 506 E. Third St., downtown Dayton (noon to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday)
Volunteers also needed
As you can imagine, it takes a lot of volunteers to guarantee the success of this terrific project. Dress sorting days are 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 8. Folks are also needed to set up and work on the day of the event — Saturday, March 15. If you’re interested in helping out, contact Shelby Quinlivan at Shelby.quinlivan@clothesthatwork.org or call (937) 222-3778, ext. 150.
Girls who would like to receive a dress may register the day of the event, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Clothes That Work office in the Job Center. Pre-registration is not required.
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