Shine Inc. gearing up for prom season

Donations of prom dresses requested by not-for-profit
 

Spring is approaching, and it will soon be time for high school kids to begin making preparations for prom. With that in mind, Aimee Gerla wants everyone to know that Shine Inc., an organization that she founded, is ready to help kids who might not be able to afford a formal dress or tuxedo.
“Our location is ready to go, and I just want to remind people that we’re here and we’re for anybody that needs a little help with their prom attire,” she said.
Beginning in March, Gerla said, girls who want to get a prom dress can come by the Ash Grove shop on Saturdays to pick one out for free.
“We’re going to be open (to the public) from March 6
 through May 1, every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon,” she said.
As for the boys, Gerla said Shine Inc. can help them with a free tuxedo rental.
“If they need help with the rental fee, we find a sponsor, and we get them a free tux.”
At present, Shine Inc. has 350 formal dresses at their location on Main Street, but more are needed. According to a posting on their Facebook page, those who wish to donate a dress can drop it off at the following locations: Ash Grove High School or the Superintendent’s Office, Willard High School, Logan-Rogersville High School, the Pharmacy at Pleasant Hope, Ash Grove Pharmacy and Emmaus Church in Springfield.
Additionally, donations made to Shine Inc. are tax deductible.
“We are a 501c3 organization,” Gerla said.
Last year, with the pandemic, schools were closed, so not as many kids attended prom. However, Gerla said they were able to provide some kids with formal wear.
“We still were able to help,” she said. “We gave out 15 dresses last year and 10 tuxedos.”
Shine Inc. is located in Ash Grove at 116 Main Street; look for the building with the teal-colored door.
High school students needing more information should speak to their counselors or visit the “Shine Inc – A Night to Shine” Facebook page.