On October 28, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids (MI) and Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore launched Every Dress Has a Story!, a fashion-forward dress drive. The two organizations have partnered to collect gently used dresses from the community to assist the Grand Rapids Goodwill in its mission of providing job training and placement services to area residents.
“Whether it’s a cocktail dress worn to a wedding or a maxi-dress worn on a vacation – we all have those formal and informal dresses in our closets that are ready to be donated and worn by someone new who can then create their own special memories,” said Gloria Lara, CEO of Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. “Through Every Dress Has a Story!, Girl Scouts and Goodwill hope to inspire the community to give back and make a difference in their own special way.”
While donors can bring a dress to any Grand Rapids area Goodwill store, members of the community can also host donation bins at their places of business or community centers. Bins can be delivered and picked up by the agency’s staff.
Every Dress Has a Story! dress drive day will take place on the last day of the campaign, November 9, and is being led by participating Girl Scout troops who have collected dress donations from their personal networks. In addition to honing their community service and leadership skills, participating Girl Scouts will receive a special badge to honor their commitment to the initiative.
“The work that these young women will put into the Every Dress Has a Story! initiative is tremendous,” said Kathy Crosby, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids. “And the impact of this campaign will be felt by many throughout the region – as it will help Goodwill continue its mission of providing job training and placement services for all those in need.”