Melissa's Closet dress collection up and running at Whitmores

Formal attire and hardware stores may seem like an odd combination, but not for Whitmore Ace Hardware in Braidwood.

Organization for this year’s Melissa’s Closet and Crystal’s Jewelry Box event are underway at the store, as well as at Whitmore locations in Wilmington and Coal City.

The event honors Melissa Michalowski and Crystal Carr, who were both seniors at RCHS when they were killed in a car accident in December 2008. Melissa had worked at Whitmore Ace Hardware in Braidwood, where she was known to be a bright and shining employee who came to work happy every day. The staff at Whitmore Ace Hardware felt the urge to do something in Melissa’s memory. After discussing the high cost of prom with other teen employees, the workers decided to create the Melissa’s Closet and Crystal’s Jewelry Box event.

Dresses collected are sold for $5.

Donations can be dropped off at all Whitmore locations.

The event is currently slated for March 5 at Godley Park District from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and organizers will make any necessary announcements on changes related to COVID-19 should those arise.