By Mackenzie Prince
RED BANK – It’s been nearly a year since colorful dresses lined racks as laughs and excitement filled the air. Fairy godmother-like helpers waved their “wands” in order to find the perfect gown for their charges, teenagers who would be bejeweled with accessories and ready to take on their big evening. No, it wasn’t a fairytale, but Lunch Break’s Annual Prom Drive and Giveaway.
Soon, for the seventh year, Lunch Break will be giving away prom attire, including dresses, suits and accessories to students in need. In past years, hundreds of students have been able to fulfill their fairytale prom dreams due to the efforts of Lunch Break and donations from the public and local businesses.
This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road in Red Bank.
Lunch Break began in 1983 as an organization focused on creating a community that valued caring for those in need. Lunch Break continues this vision through food pantries, clothing drives and support for families throughout Monmouth County with myriad programs, all of them at no cost.
As what were once considered luxuries became expected for prom-goers, Lunch Break decided to create the clothing drive and giveaway that allows students from financially insecure families to live out their prom dreams, too. Residents and businesses throughout Monmouth County can donate formal wear to Lunch Break and students will be able to peruse the clothes, try on their favorites and even have items professionally tailored if needed.
Lunch Break Intake and Resource Navigator Fatima Carranza believes the impact this giveaway has on the community is remarkable, both for the students and their families.
“This is a special time of year for graduating students,” she said.
“It’s nice that we are able to provide them with these luxuries. I think it’s important that they are able to indulge in these special moments.”
Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love is looking forward to another successful giveaway and credits her team and donors with creating tons of smiling teenage faces.
“I’m extremely proud of our program team,” said Love in a release. “Because of our incredibly generous community, the team will be ready to help our young women and men look and feel special on prom night.”
Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays until March 24 at Clara’s Closet Storage Location, 968 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, Unit 5. Donations can include dresses, suits, gowns, tuxedos, formal shoes and any form of accessories, including handbags and jewelry. Assorted colors, designs and sizes are all accepted and appreciated.
“I would like to thank (the donors) for letting go of their items and taking their time to donate it to us,” Carranza said. “All of this is able to happen because of our donors, so I really couldn’t be more grateful for them.”
The article originally appeared in the February 16 – 22, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
