MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay - Marine Thrift Shop Kaneohe Bay began selling used ball gowns, Sept. 20, just one month in anticipation of the upcoming Navy and Marine Corps birthday balls.
The thrift shop started with more than 60 donated gowns, varying from sizes two to 20, and ranging from $5 to $20.
Instead of the evening Belle of the Ball event, which the thrift shop hosted in years past, the ball gowns were made available a few weeks earlier during regular store hours.
The gowns will be available until they are sold out.
Lenney Rodriguez, the manager of MTSKB, said she held the event earlier and during business hours for several reasons. Spouses will have more time for additional alterations they may need to make to their dress before their ball. Having the ball gowns available during business hours may make it easier for spouses to come while their children are attending school during the day. Also, because the Navy birthday is on Oct. 13, an entire month before the Marine Corps birthday, Navy spouses also have a chance to find a dress at
the thrift shop, she said.
On Sept. 20, patrons waited outside for the doors to open. Spouses
were already making beelines to the gowns, which were hung on several racks and organized by signs.
Base resident Natalya Drellana was among the spouses searching through the racks for a dress. Drellana, who was successful in her search, is a newlywed, and will be attending her first military ball. She said she didn’t want to spend too much money on a dress. In an effort to save money, she also plans to re-wear her wedding shoes and jewelry.
“I like the selection,” said base resident Destiny Fernandes, who
heard about the available gowns from her husband. “I didn’t think there would be a wide selection, but I was surprised.”
Service members may also be able to find used dress uniforms for a discounted price. Rodriguez said the thrift shop has a regular “buy one, get one half off” promotion every Monday, known as “Military Mondays,” for service members.
For more information about the thrift store, call 636-9074, or email marinethriftshopkbay@gmail.com.