Kori Meyer, store manager of Stuf N’ Such, shows dresses available from the prom closet.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Spring is in the air and so is this month’s Churchill County High School’s Senior Prom, which is sponsored by a group of parents.
To make this year’s prom a memorable event, the Stuf N’ Such Thrift Store has opened its prom closet for Churchill County students who are attending the once-in-a-lifetime event two weeks before the end of school.
“We’re happy to see the parent-sponsored prom,” said store manager Kori Meyer.
Because of coronavirus pandemic restrictions affecting schools, the prom had to be moved off school-district grounds.
As a result of the decision to hold a prom, Meyer, who has been store manager for four years, said the thrift store that’s operated by the Banner Churchill Community Hospital Auxiliary responded by opening its prom closest. The closet features formal and semi-formal apparel for the gala ball.
Since she learned of the scheduling for the Senior Prom, Meyer said her staff moved much of their senior dresses and accessories to the front of the store.
Within the first several days, she said five senior girls picked out their attired for the evening, which is May 22. Meyer said there’s no charge for the prom apparel or accessories.
The Prom Closet, which first opened in 2014, has, what Meyer calls, cute and sweet apparel consisting of long, formal dresses to short dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories. She said each girl’s personal taste will dictate the type of dress. Meyer added there’s limited clothing for the boys.
“We have a very limited number of suits,” she said. “Whatever we have, they can use it for the prom. There’s no cost,” she said.
Each year, Meyer said the store rolls out a jewelry display that’s used solely for the prom. After the prom, she said the donated jewelry is packed up and stored for the next year. During the year, Meyer said people donate clothing that can be used for the prom closet.
“We’re open for any county schools having a formal dance,” she said.
Meyer said students from counties adjacent to Churchill County may also use the prom closet.
Occasionally, she receives monetary donations, but those are solely used for the auxiliary’s scholarship program.
Every year, Meyer said the auxiliary sponsors four scholarships for local high-school students and four college students who have ties to Churchill County.
Additionally, the proceeds derived from sales help fund programs or programs at Banner Churchill to include mastectomy kits, baby hats and booties and furniture.
