Dahn Graham, right, store manager of Stuf 'n Such, shows a formal dress to Cerra Slaymaker, left, as Sandra Raymond looks on.
Pretty long dresses and shoes designed especially for Cinderella and the ball …. impeccable suits to make Prince Charming handsome for his date.
The memories for this year’s Senior Ball on May 3: Priceless.
Stuf n‘ Such, the thrift store operated by the Banner Churchill Community Hospital Auxiliary, wants high school students to know the prom doesn’t have to deplete the savings account. In fact, everything available at the store is there for the asking … free.
“All dresses have been donated, and we also put some aside for this event,” said Dahn Gregory, store manager. “After prom they can bring the clothes back or keep them. It’s up to them.”
In addition to the dresses and accessories, Graham said the store has everything for the young man who wants to make his prom a memorable experience.
“We have shirts and jackets, full suits, shoes, ties, bow ties and two tuxedos,” Graham added.
For the first time since Stuf n’ Such began assisting high school students with their prom wear, the store has set aside special hours for the students to peruse through the racks at their own leisure. If the students cannot attend one of the special evening times, Graham said they can also come to the store during regular hours and sort through the clothes.
Graham said the special time allows students to be more comfortable in shopping for prom clothes.
“There’s a little more privacy,” she said. “They can be comfortable in trying stuff on.”
Lisa Slaymaker, who brought her daughter to the store earlier in the evening, returned with one of her daughter’s friends, both high school seniors.
“It’s phenomenal. It’s absolutely wonderful,” she said, as she stood waiting near the checkout counter. “This offers kids an opportunity they normally wouldn’t have had.”
This is the first year her daughter and a friend have tried on dresses at Stuf n’ Such.
“I think it’s neat, good,” Sandra Raymond said, adjusting her dress in front a full-length mirror. “Not a lot of people have a lot of money for prom dresses.”
Cerra Slaymaker said she is appreciative of the community’s support to make the prom evening fantastic.
“It’s really great for the low-income families,” she said. “Some families can’t afford a dress or suit.”
During each session, Graham relies volunteers to assist with students’ needs. On this night, Graham received support from Annie Kopas, Judy Adams and Lena Greene.