Anchored Ministries sponsors formal wear boutique

Each year, Anchored Ministries holds a free prom boutique at Twin Valley High School (TVHS), where students are able to choose free formal attire, including dresses, suits and accessories. This year, for the first time, students from all school districts were invited to attend a prom boutique on Feb. 24 at CROSSroads Bible Fellowship Church in Elverson.

During the event, attendees were able to choose from more than 600 prom dresses, which were displayed on racks according to size and color. Also offered were shoes, makeup, handbags, ties, jewelry and other accessories. All shoppers were also entered into a drawing to win gift cards.

The event was a collaboration between pastor Tim Radcliff and Erika Kanter, executive director of Anchored Ministries, who, along with volunteers, converted the church's worship area into a dress shop complete with racks of clothing, displays of accessories and dressing rooms.

"We partner with CROSSroads, and we look for different ways to grow that partnership," said Kanter. "When I saw the wonderful space, we (asked) to host the event here."

All items at the prom showcase were donated by the community and stored at Anchored Ministries. "We have 671 prom dresses and more than 200 suits. We even have female suits," said Kanter. "Everything is 100% free."

One shopper was Flynn Newlin of Downingtown, who was accompanied by her mother, Sara Newlin, and her friend Kate Laughlin from West Chester. Flynn chose a light green strapless gown, while Kate chose a brown dress with copper accents. "Most girls wear long dresses to the prom, but they are very slim," said Flynn. "Long is traditional."

"We are all about thrifting and recycling and upcycling and having fun with it," Sara added. "It's such a fun blessing to come to an event like this. It's less stressful. You don't have to look at a price tag."

The prom boutique is just one of Anchored Ministries' many charitable programs designed to help the community. Anchored Ministries also owns and operates a mobile clothing closet, which stops at various locations, including CrossNet Ministries and New Holland Church of the Nazarene, both in New Holland, and at the Honey Brook Food Pantry. Additionally, it offers a community roadside stand with free food and a book sharing shelf that is open on Thursdays at its facility, located at 40 S. Chestnut St., Elverson. It also holds a monthly community meal at Conestoga Mennonite Church in Morgantown.

Specific details about the programs can be found at http://www.facebook.com/AnchoredMinistriesPA and www.anchoredministries.org. Those with questions may email contact@anchoredministries.org.