PARAGOULD, Ark. (AP) - After hearing from her high-school aged clients about the expenses of prom, 24-year-old social work therapist Ginger Thornton knew how she wanted to help these girls attend prom.
“I realized how expensive it is, and now (since) I’m a school-based social work therapist, I see the need every day,” she told the Paragould Daily Press (https://bit.ly/MNL5WK).
With the help of several people and organizations, the Prom Dress Ministry is offering local high school girls an opportunity to feel beautiful by having free dresses, accessories and salon services so these girls can enjoy a night they will never forget.
On March 22 from 9 a.m. until noon, the Details Hair & Nails Studio will be transformed into a boutique for local high school girls to find their perfect dress and accessories for free.
Each girl will have a personal shopper assist them in finding their dream dress. Alterations are also available free of charge as well.
Since this is a ministry, Eastside Baptist Church and Doug Compton Ministries have donated Bibles and Bible studies that she can distribute to the girls while dress-shopping.
From what began as a post on Facebook.com to garner feedback, she said the support has gone above and beyond.
People from central and northwest Arkansas have confirmed that they will be donating dresses to the cause. “This whole thing has grown into bigger things than I had expected,” she said.
She said her husband has been a great support through the whole process. “He reassured me that if only one girl shows up, you’ve done your job,” Thornton said.
Several girls will also win free hair and makeup styling on the day of their prom by women in the community who are offering their services via a drawing.
Dresses can be donated directly to Thornton or drop the dresses off at 22 Lou Boutique. As an incentive for customers, 22 Lou is offering 15 percent off to customers who donate a gently worn dress.
“It’s just to encourage all of the help that we need,” Thornton said.
She said all sizes are accepted, with a particular need for sizes 10 and up. The last day to donate is March 20. Dresses need to be in good condition with no major stains. Alterations will be done in-store.
Thornton said the girls are not required to bring these dresses back. She said they are also needing donations for pre-prom meals. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Thornton said Proverbs 3:15 has been her “theme” for the cause.
“It’s just a reassurance that no matter what we look like inside and out, He reassures us that we are beautiful,” she said. “That was just kind of an encouraging verse that was laid on my heart to let these girls know that they’re beautiful no matter what.”
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Information from: Paragould Daily Press, https://www.paragoulddailypress.com/
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