How to go
What: Tinkerbell’s Closet, a ministry of Germantown United Methodist Church
Where: 20 Wetz Lane, Germantown
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays or by appointment
Contact: Kathy Kitchel at 937-684-1446 or Rae Mett at 937-219-8230 or online at www.facebook.com/tinkerbellsclosetgermantown
“Every girl deserves to look and feel beautiful for her school dance,” said Kathy Kitchel, director of Youth Ministries at Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) and substitute teacher for Valley View Schools. This became her motto for the GUMC ministry and the dress recycling program for teens attending school dances.
This past fall, they had almost 500 girls come through their doors for homecoming season. All girls are allowed one dress per dance season, a pair of shoes and two accessory items for free. “We have already had about 60 girls come in for prom,” Kitchel said last week.
Kitchel and Rae Mett met through their daughters. “I mentioned my dream ministry to her, and she jumped on board saying the idea had crossed her mind, also,” said Kitchel.
The ministry was realized in April 2012 when the GUMC youth building, 20 Wetz Lane, had room for the dresses. They spread the word that they were taking donations. “I think we served about 75 girls during the 2012-13 school year,” Kitchel said.
Mett works full time at Miss Molly’s Bakery & Café, Farmersville. When these two ladies are not working at their jobs, they are working at Tinkerbell’s Closet along with adult and teen volunteers.
Today, there are two rooms of approximately 3,000 dresses. The third room is for jewelry. There are four fitting rooms.
“I’m guessing there are at least 500 pairs of shoes,” Kitchel said. “We have a limited selection of clutches, scarves, jackets, strapless bras, slips and costume jewelry. Our stock includes brand-name labels such as Nine West, Sherry Hill, Liz Claiborne, Born Concepts and White House/Black Market, Deb, David’s Bridal and Ann Taylor.”
Mett said, “Shoes take up much space, but the girls enjoy them.” She holds up a pair of shoes. “These are easily a $100 a pair shoes, and you can only wear them once.”
She said, “It is not based on income or if you have a lot of money. We have had girls come in that could afford any price of dress, but they like to recycle their dresses — bring one in and take another home.”
Inventory is donated by the community. “Teens using our ministry bring us donations when they come in to look for a dress,” Kitchel said. “Others just drop things off to us. We also receive donations from local clothing ministries Thread’s, Alistrong, and Cody’s Caring Closet!
“Donations can be dropped off to the box on our front porch, GUMC, Miss Molly’s, and Thread’s Clothing Ministry (Miamisburg),” Kitchel said. “We are always in need of plus-sized dresses and costume jewelry. We cannot keep those items in stock.”
Mett said, “We share a lot of tears at Tinkerbells, but it is tears of joy. There is nothing like that feeling you get when a girl that feels insecure and ugly comes out of that dressing room feeling like Cinderella at the ball. We have transformed many girls into the princess that they dreamed they could be just by a dress, a pair of shoes and confidence.”
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