What do we do and who do we serve?
Tinkerbell’s Closet is a ministry of Germantown Methodist Church. We began collecting dresses to start our FREE boutique in April 2012. Kathy Kitchel and Rae Mett, founders, and volunteers, had the dream to love and serve teen girls by providing for their needs for school dances. We believe “every girl deserves to look and feel beautiful at the school dance.”
The ministry started with a simple rack of donated dresses located in our Youth Building at 20 Wetz Lane, Germantown, OH. It has since grown to fill every nook of our space. The beautiful boutique houses formal dresses for prom and homecoming, dress shoes, costume jewelry, and clutches – everything a girl needs for the dance. All items are donated by either individuals or clothing ministries from the Dayton area. Donating with us allows us to help those in need and to recycle what God has given to us. We are happy to announce that we are currently serving over a thousand girls each school year.
Tinkerbell’s Closet is operated by teen and adult volunteers from the church and the community. During the school year, (August – May) we are open to the public on most Thursday evenings from 6pm-8pm. Our specific hours and other information can be found on our Facebook page.
We are open to all teen girls from any school. Every girl may choose one dress, a pair of shoes, and up to 2 accessory items for their formal event. There is never a charge for anything received. However, the teen wearing the dress must be present to receive it.
How can you serve with Tinkerbell’s Closet?
We always need volunteers! If you would like to join us once or on a regular basis, please let us know! 4-5 volunteers are needed every time we are open. If you have a friendly smile, you’re equipped to serve! We welcome teens who are looking for volunteer service hours.
We also need friends who can repair and mend dresses. It could be as simple as sewing on missing beads or fixing a seam. For more information, please contact Kathy Kitchel, 937-684-1446 or email her, or Rae Mett, 937-219-8230.
How can I donate?
We accept donations of formal dresses, dress shoes, strapless bras, slips, shoulder covers, jackets, costume jewelry, and clutches. We always need plus size donations. They leave as quickly as we receive them. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Tinkerbell’s Closet, 20 Wetz Lane, Germantown, OH (Donations can be placed in brown drop-box on porch if not open)
- Germantown Methodist Church, 525 Farmersville Pk., Germantown, OH, during normal business hours. (Please leave in north closet inside main doors)
- Threads of Miami Valley, 33 Lawrence Ave, Miamisburg, OH (Please drop off donations when they are open.)