Eldred thrift store to host annual prom dress sale
From left: Helen Dorshimer, Ann Marie Haydt, Judy Kresge and Lorie Grauvogel add gowns to display racks for Saturday’s prom and bridal gown sale at the Eldred Township Community Thrift Store. During the sale the gowns, shoes, jewelry and purses will be spread out throughout the community room. STACI L. GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Ann Marie Haydt, left, and Helen Dorshimer admire a light blue gown with sequins. The community has donated more than 225 prom and wedding gowns for the sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Eldred Township Community Thrift Store inside the Eldred Township Community Center.
Prom gowns in all lengths and sizes — some plain, others with various amounts of bling — will be on sale at the Eldred Township Community Thrift Store on Saturday.
“Not every young girl can afford hundreds of dollars for a dress to go to prom, and wear only one time,” said volunteer Donna Deihl.
The shop’s second annual prom and wedding gown sale will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We had a long line waiting at the door 15 minutes before we opened last year,” said volunteer Helen Dorshimer.
Prom gowns cost $10, while bridal gowns will vary in price.
Shoes, purses and jewelry will cost $1 to $2 each, Deihl said.
The gowns have been donated by members of the community and local bridal shops. Some still have the price tag on and were never worn.
“I have my husband driving all over to pick up these dresses. Yesterday, he picked up six gowns in Indian Trail Park,” Deihl said.
She has received 225 gowns so far.
“We’re way over last year’s starting amount of 175 gowns, and we have a week to go yet,” she said. “They are all different sizes, from 0 up to 24.”
In addition to prom gowns, she has ones for brides and mother of the bride. She’s trying to obtain flower girl dresses.
“The girls take two or three dresses at a time to try on and come back for the next batch,” said volunteer Ann Marie Haydt.
A dressing room is set up in another room with dividers for privacy and mirrors to see how the gown looks.
Each person who attends the sale will get a plastic Easter egg with some sort of prize, such as a free gown, accessory or T-shirt.
One young lady last year was worried that her mother could not afford a $10 gown. Her mother reassured her, and they looked at and tried on a few. Later, she opened her prize egg and learned she had won a free gown.
“We all got teary-eyed then,” Dorshimer said.
An assortment of refreshments will be available.
Deihl has invited a few makeup and jewelry vendors to set up displays.
The thrift store is located inside Eldred Township Community Center, 514 Kunkletown Road. For more information, call 610-895-4444.
