Local ministry to offer free prom dresses for those in need
CIRCLEVILLE – It’s the time of year that students, parents, teachers, and schools all start thinking about one of the biggest nights of the year – best known as prom night.
There’s a long list of everything needed to make this night go smoothly, one of the biggest necessities being the right dress – followed by the hair, makeup, accessories…
You have probably figured, this is going to be a pretty pricey night. According to PromGirl.com, prom dresses can run anywhere from as little as $100 to as much as $600. There is no doubt, the prom dress is one of the more expensive pieces to prom night.
For some, splurging on a dress isn’t an option – some parents can find themselves stressed over trying to figure out how to afford the dress, let alone all the other expenses that go into prom night.
This is where the community can be a huge blessing – helping those in a time that is supposed to fun and memorable. Kimberly Polley reached out about a ministry that was recently started with a local business called “Blessings of Beauty”.
Kimberly is working with Blessed Encounters Boutique to help local girls who can’t afford prom dresses by allowing them access to free, beautiful dresses, as well as jewelry, shoes and other accessories.
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“It’s really exciting,” Kimberly admitted, thinking over the response they have already gotten from the community, “Our goal is to help 50 girls – but now we’re up to almost 60 dresses. So now I’m kind of pushing… I would like to help 75 girls.”
The ministry is already off to a great start, but there are still some needs that they’re hoping to meet and items that they’re in need of.
“We’re hoping to get a few more bigger sizes.” Kimberly acknowledged.
Blessed Encounters also has a tree located inside their store, which locals can donate gift cards for local restaurants and hang on the tree for those to enjoy a great meal before prom.
“I’m all about helping our local businesses. And so [Blessed Encounters] had that idea of, you know, we’re trying to help as many people as we can. Maybe if someone wants to throw a $25 gift card and donate it, to help them [the prom goer] have the full experience.” Kimberly shared excitedly.
Blessed Encounters and Blessings of Beauty will be working together to come up with times that girls can stop in to try on dresses, shoes, to look at jewelry – giving them the store experience of picking out their own dress and accessories for that special night. When the girls are done with the gown, they have the option to give the dress back for other girls to use in the future – or to even keep it. This is something they hope to grow and offer each year for other prom experiences.
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“They can come in, and we were not asking for any proof that you’re in need. It’s just an honor system. You come in and tell us that you’ve heard about us and that you’re in need of a dress – and pray that we have something in your size that you like, and we’ll go from there.” Kimberly closed.
Dresses and accessories such as jewelry, formal handbags and shoes are being accepted as donations from locals in the community looking to give these gently used items a new life. They can be dropped off at Blessed Encounters Boutique, where they are dry-cleaned and brought back to the local store to be prepared for girls to try on for the upcoming prom.
Donations are excepted anytime Blessed Encounters is opened. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10am – 5pm and on Saturdays, 9:30am – 2pm.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Blessed Encounters Boutique by calling 740-497-1627.
Blessed Encounters Boutique is located at:
117 W. Main St
Circleville, OH 43113
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Lauren has been writing since she was at least ten years old – and anywhere she traveled, you could always bet that she would have a journal and a pen in hand. Though she writes mostly for the Dimple Times now, she has dabbled in writing short stories and novels throughout her life.
She’s spent most of her life in Circleville, Ohio – which has been a huge inspiration behind a lot of the locations, situations and ideas she has come up with for her different stories over the years.
Lauren enjoys using her writing to bring enlightening, encouraging and informative content to the Dimple Times – but outside of work, she also enjoys curling up with her cat to watch movies, read or simply to write for herself.
