Jackson teen collects dresses for those in need

It may only be November, but for at least one organization, efforts to make prom special for others this spring are already underway.

When Grace Lysell, 16, of Jackson, was made aware to the fact that many of her peers couldn't attend formal dances because they couldn't afford to buy a dress she joined forces with fellow First Presbyterian parishioner Brenda Randolph to implement a local chapter, only the second in Missouri, of the charity Becca's closet.

"I feel for them, because I know dances are really special to me," Lysell recently told the Southeast Missourian.

So since the beginning of the school year Lysell and others have been collecting dresses, which are available to any girl in the area. All they have to do is bring a school identification card and make an appointment so they can shop for dresses, shoes and accessories at the Steck House, which is next to the church on Washington Street in Jackson.

They can either choose to keep the dress after their formal event or return it for someone else who needs it.

Cash donations to the group will be used to buy dresses in sizes that are more difficult to find.

More information can be found by calling First Presbyterian church at (573) 450-6349 or at facebook.com/SEMOprommothers.