Faith and community

Grace Lysell- teen liasion for SEMO Prom Mothers of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson and Jackson high school junior is deep in sorting prom dresses. Though most of us are only just thinking about Fall school activities, the First Presbyterian Church is already looking toward spring and Prom. As a local mission project, the church has recently become a member of www.beccascloset.org.

Founded in 2003, Becca’s Closet is a national charity working to get new or gently used prom dresses to teen girls who are in financial need so that they can attend their school’s formal event. Chapters are throughout the United States and SEMO Prom Mothers is the 2nd in the state. Rebecca Kirtman was a high school student from Florida who developed this program and gave out 250 dresses the first year. She was tragically killed and in her legacy, her family has expanded the program nationwide, even with scholarships available to teens who take an active role in the leadership of chapters.

The only requirement for a girl to get a dress in the spring will be that she is enrolled in school and shows her student ID at the chapter’s Open House. The girl may keep the dress or return it as a way to pay it forward. SEMO Prom Mothers will be busy collecting new and gently used dresses throughout the winter. Though there are several formal events in the winter at area schools, SEMO Prom Mothers is wanting to build its inventory so it won’t be open until spring. After that, inventory will depict whether SEMOPM opens for other school events.

Before a dress goes on the rack, it will be clean and in good repair. Dresses will be up to date with very little vintage.

Grace is the fashionista who makes the final call whether the dress will go on the rack!

Adult volunteers are Grace’s mother; Jane Lysell-Jackson, Brenda Randolph-Cape, and Sherrie Troxel- Jackson. Before the Randolphs’ retired back to southeast Missouri, Brenda, helped with a chapter in northern Missouri. Randolph is anxious to bring this mission to our area. “It’s a wonderful program that helps so many girls. Most of these girls would not be able to afford their prom if they had to purchase a new gown. For one night, every girl should get to feel like a princess! I’m really passionate about this mission.”

In the spring, students need to watch for advertised Open House dates at the “Steck House” at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In the meantime, donations such as formals, bridesmaid dresses, short party dresses, prom jewelry, heels, monetary donations can be dropped off at the church at 206 E. Washington in Jackson on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Cape, call Brenda Randolph at 660-886-1957 for pick- up. All donations are tax-deductible with receipts available.

Randolph closed with “We would love to come to your civic organization and give a program about this mission.” For more information, call the church at 573-243-4265 or contact Grace Lysell, gracelysell@gmail.com , Jane Lysell-573 450-6349, Sherrie Troxel-573 243-6261, or Brenda Randolph or go online on Facebook and “Like” us @ SEMOPromMothers. You can also go on online to the national organization at www.beccascloset.org