Story last updated at 10/21/2009 - 10:39 am
FAIRBANKS - Now that the troops are back home, some formal ceremonies are in order, including a round of Battalion Balls beginning in early November.
For active-duty soldiers it's no problem. They simply don a dress uniform.
For female spouses, a ball gown is essential to attend the formal affairs.
And if the family budget can't absorb the cost of a fancy dress and accessories, military spouses often will skip the event.
Armed Services YMCA is putting out a desperate call for donations of formal attire such as dresses, shoes, coats, stoles, and accessories like evening purses and jewelry to outfit women for a special evening out.
In January, ASYMCA opened an "After Five Boutique" for the purpose of loaning out free formal clothing and accessories to military dependents.
The boutique is located in a small walk-in closet at the ASYMCA Fort Wainwright offices. A nearby bookcase displays a small store of dress shoes, purses and jewelry.
Alex Lewis, who oversees the boutique, would love to see donations of stylish gowns and accessories in good condition to enlarge the boutique's meager collection.
"We don't have many dresses, and some of them are outdated," Lewis said.
The gowns are loaned out for special events such as military balls, banquets, recognition ceremonies and proms at no cost, and are made available again after they are returned.
"We just ask that they get (dry) cleaned before they are brought back," Lewis said.
Although the After Five Boutique is located at Fort Wainwright, it is open to all Army, Air Force and Alaska National Guard service members and spouses.
To donate clean formal wear and accessories, contact the ASYMCA offices, 1047 Nysteen Road, No. 4, Fort Wainwright, at 353-5962, Monday-Friday to coordinate donation pickups or drop offs.
All donations are tax-deductible.
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