VERO BEACH — Young ladies and gentlemen in high school who might not otherwise be able to afford beautiful gowns and handsome suits for their upcoming formal dances this school year will have the opportunity to find something that speaks to them, thanks to Operation Prom.
To that end, the newly opened Cottonways in the Three Aves plaza at Indian River Drive and Miracle Mile has been taking in donated dresses, suits, shirts, shoes, handbags and other accessories that would cost a family a pretty penny to otherwise send their teen to the dance.
“The donations have been great,” said store manager Pamela Bennett. One friend, who had bought a formal gown for a fund-raising event but never wore it, brought in the dress – never worn.
“One little girl is going to be looking really sharp,” Bennett said.
Through Operation Hope, financially challenged families will be able to get prom wear for free – and alterations, too – during a special event on March 2 at A Second Chance Thrift Store and Training Center, beginning at 2 p.m. The store is located at 490 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach.
Neither reservations nor pre-qualifications are required to participate in the event.
Bennett said she was happy with the donations that had come in over the 4-day collection kick-off at the store, noting that they have taken in at least 18 dresses, several pairs of shoes, sports jackets and other items.
Being a new business in town, Bennett wasn’t sure what to expect from the community.
“They just stepped up to the plate,” she said of the customers who have come wanting to help out the community’s youth.
Also helping with Operation Prom is seamstress Joan Morello, who is donating her time and efforts to alter the dresses, shirts and pants as needed – at no charge.
“It’s a worthy cause,” she said, noting that there was no way she would say no.
Along with preparing for an onslaught of alterations this Spring, Morello is currently busy at her sewing machine turning out decorative headbands and evening bags to serve as accessories to the prom dresses.
“I never went to prom,” Morello said, but her daughter did. “Every girl wants something pretty and new.”
While Cottonways’s 4-day Operation Prom campaign is done, the store will continue to serve as a donation point for more formal evening wear.
Other businesses or organizations that would like to participate in the collection are encouraged to contact Operation Prom by emailing [email protected] or call Kim at (772) 696-2948.
Operation Prom IRC is a community outreach project of A Second Chance Thrift Store, which is operated by the Homeless Family Center. For more information, visit www.ASecondChanceVero.com.
