Dual Events Offer Affordable Dresses, Accessories for Struggling Families

Those looking to save a bundle on formal wear and children’s clothing and toys can do so next weekend in Lemont.

The Hope and Friendship Foundation’s fourth annual "Give That Dress Another Night Out" clothing resale will coincide Saturday, March 10, with Spring/Summer Children's Resale.

Hope and Friendship’s sale will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at , 13400 Bell Road. The Spring/Summer Resale at First Church of the Nazarene, 12725 Bell Road, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

Terri O'Neill of Hope and Friendship said she has already received more than 100 dresses for the sale.

“Some of them are just amazing,” she said. “You can tell they’ve only been worn one time.”

She said people generally travel from all over the area to attend the annual sale in order to score a deal on attire for prom, graduation, as well as other formal events.

“We make it affordable to those who can’t afford to buy a new dress,” she said.

This year she is hoping to get more donations of men’s formal wear as well, including suits, ties, shoes and accessories.

The event gifts dresses to those who cannot afford them, and sells dresses to others at a cost of only $20.

"Especially during these economic times we're in a lot of people in surrounding communities are really looking for bargains and it really does help a lot of families," O'Neill said. "And we're able to hopefully share blessings with them as much as we can."

She said all donations and money raised through the event will help provide assistance to those in the community that need a hand of friendship and hope in a difficult time.

Donations of gently used or new formal/semi-formal dress wear, dress shoes, purses and jewelry can be brought to to Christ Community Church or dropped off at the , the lobby of the or , 1251 State St., by Friday.

The First Church of the Nazarene’s children’s resale will have clothes ranging in size from infants to 16 months, as well as baby equipment, furniture, nursery decor, toys and more.

“You name it,” said sale volunteer Nicole Britton.

Besides offering children’s items at a discount, Britton said the sale will also help community members in need.

“That’s the reason why we do the resale,” she said. “It’s not to make money for our church but to help the families within our surrounding communities.”

An inspection team signs off on the items to make sure they are in good condition.

“We don’t want to put damaged goods on the sales floor,” Britton said.

Organizers request cash only and no strollers or children.

Hourly gift certificates will also be given out. People can sign up as they enter and if chosen as a winner they will be able to spend the certificate at the sale.

For more information about the children’s resale, call 708-349-0454. Terri O'Neill may be contacted by emailing hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.