Birdsboro Church of the Nazarene, 715 E. Third St., Birdsboro, is currently seeking new or gently used prom dresses to be distributed to local girls as part of its Clothing Closet ministry.

Prom dresses can be dropped off at the church office on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and on Wednesdays between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the church. Dresses will be accepted through the last week of May.

Dresses must be clean and fashionable. "They must be clean (with) no stains and they must be five years (old) or newer," said Betty Kennedy, who helps run the clothing ministry and is the advertising coordinator.

The Clothing Closet has already received some dresses for girls to choose from, as well as dress shoes and handbags. Girls in need of a prom dress are invited to "shop" for a free dress during the Clothing Closet's hours of operation, which are on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. The next scheduled clothing distribution date will be April 28.

As part of the Clothing Closet ministry, anyone may choose free clothing for themselves or their families. It is not necessary to provide income information or be a resident of Birdsboro.

Those who visit the closet are able to choose from clothing for men, women, children, and infants, as well as shoes, belts, purses and accessories, and household items.

The clothing is sorted by volunteers and placed in various rooms in the church's basement. Men's and women's items are placed in one room, and another room houses clothing for infants through teenagers. Additionally, visitors may choose from household goods that have been donated, as well as personal care items.

Because of the pandemic, the Clothing Closet ceased operations in March and reopened in July 2020. Currently, no children are allowed during the clothing distributions and people must bring their own bag to fill. Those who are not feeling well or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days before their visit should return to the Clothing Closet the next month.

The Clothing Closet is located in the lower level of the church building and can be accessed through the brown door at the left-hand side of the parking lot when facing the back of the church.

For more information about the Clothing Closet, contact the church office at 610-582-4700 or bnc@birdsboronaz.org.