WANTED: Formal Dresses to Outfit USMC Wives for 2013 Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Desert Best Friend's Closet is collecting formal dresses to outfit wives of Marines for the 2013 Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball at various locations, including Palm Springs, in November.

"DBFC wants to honor the wives of servicemen by providing them with ball gowns for this annual event and seeks donations to support this endeavor," co-founder Connie Golds said Wednesday. "This year the ball commemorates the 238th birthday of the Marine Corps."


Donations of formal dresses can be dropped off at locations throughout the Coachella Valley by Oct. 10:

- The Wardrobe in Palm Springs

- Drapers and Damons in Rancho Mirage and in Palm Desert

- Trio in Palm Desert and

- Divas of the Desert in La Quinta

All dresses must be contemporary, dry cleaned and on hangers, Golds said. Items cannot have tears, stains, broken zippers or missing buttons as there are no funds for repairs.

Volunteers are needed to act as 'personal shoppers' for the Marine wives. To volunteer call (760) 776-9975, or email moreinfo@bfcloset.org to request a volunteer application.

Here's more from Golds' announcement:

Desert Best Friend's Closet provides a diverse array of clothing to economically disadvantaged and underserved men, women, and at-risk youth of the Coachella Valley.

Desert Best Friend's Closet assists desert residents obtain economic independence and self-sufficiency. We achieve this by offering new, or gently used, clothing for work, prom, or other special events.

Desert Best Friend's Closet relies on the financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts of individuals and companies who are committed to helping our clients take charge of their lives and become productive members of the community.

The agency has served 1,742 men, women and youths since 2010 in their store at 75-048 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 102 in Palm Desert, Golds said.

Hours are by appointment only. For more info visit www.bfcloset.org.