Time to turn in prom dresses, volunteer

In 2010, Melissa Michalowski, a Whitmore Ace Hardware employee, and her friend Crystal Carr, lost their lives in a tragic automobile accident.
Since then, Whitmore Ace Hardware has created a program to honor both girls, Melissa’s Closet and Crystal’s Jewelry Box.
The goal of the program is to provide $5 prom dresses to local students.
This year, the prom and homecoming dress sale will be held Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Godley Park District.
Seeking donations
and volunteers
The mission is currently seeking donations of dresses and accessories, as well as volunteers on the day of the sale. Laurie Becker, who coordinates the event, weighed in.
“Our 15 Whitmore Ace locations are now accepting donations of gently used dresses, shoes, and jewelry to support Melissa’s Closet and Crystal’s Jewelry Box,” Becker said. “We are even collecting homecoming dresses as we have seen students request them.”
Coordinators are also seeking volunteers for set up on Friday March 6, on the day of the event, Saturday, March 7.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help make this amazing event a success,” Becker said. “If you’re interested in volunteering in any of the following areas, we’d love to hear from you.”
• Event Setup: Friday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Godley Park District
• Hair and Makeup Volunteers: Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m., to 1 p.m. (must be a licensed cosmetologist)
• Event Day Volunteers: Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Event Cleanup: Saturday, March 7, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Baked Goods Donations: Needed for the March 7th event
To volunteer or donate, please email melissascloset@whitmoreace.com
A sea of dresses
Students searching for the perfect prom or homecoming dress are invited to come find the one that will make their special day even better. Every dress is just $5. There will also be a selection of shoes and accessories. Alteration advice from a seamstress, and free updos from talented hairstylists will be offered the day of the sale.
Donate a dress
change a life
Want to be part of something truly meaningful? Melissa’s Closet would not be possible if not for the generous donations of clean prom and homecoming dresses and accessories.
You may donate at the following Whitmore Ace Hardware stores: 1105 W. Water St., Wilmington, 1025 E. Division Street Coal City, and 237 North Front St., Braidwood, IL 60408.
For a complete list of stores accepting donations, visit the “Melissa’s Closet & Crystal’s Jewelry Box” Facebook Page.
“In 2026, we will be able to take donations and dress sales through Visa, Master Card, or American Express at checkout,” Becker shared.
For information, call (815) 476-7731 or email melissascloset@whitmoreace.com.