Ministry moves prom dresses

The local prom dress ministry has moved to a new home at First Christian Church and will be directed by Tammy McBee.

“Lori Reames from Closet Angels called and asked me if I would take over this ministry so it could continue to be a blessing for the community, and offer it a new home,” said McBee. “I asked the Church, and they said, ‘Of course!’ And they figured out a room that we could use for the dresses.”

McBee explained that the prom dress program not only offers dresses to Albany’s high school students to wear to prom and other formal dances, dresses are also available for women from Kenmar Residential Services in Abilene, and service women, wives, and mothers from Dyess Air Force Base for formals and award ceremonies. 

“We are starting to get a few wedding dresses, and mother of the bride dresses, so I am hoping that we can offer options to people planning weddings also,” said McBee. “I am hoping to get some men’s suits donated, so we can help them out as well.”

McBee added that the collection, which moved from First Baptist Church to the new location in pickup loads, also includes some dress shoes, clutches, shawls, scarves, and jewelry.

“I am hoping to add more accessories, so that a young lady can find everything that she needs, and leave here with no worries,” McBee said. “I understand how expensive it can be (to get ready for a formal occassion). I have 10 children, and my youngest four are girls.”

Katy Burris, youth minister at First Christian, is assisting McBee.

“We emptied the room, and we will be repainting it, improving the lighting, adding a seating area, new curtains, and large mirrors,” McBee said. “We will organize the dresses by sizes, and have them hanging on racks. I will do my best to keep the dresses up to date and in style.”

Those who need to borrow a dress can call McBee at 325-762-6500, or the church at 325-762-3480.