Prom perfect: Dix thrift shop ready for season Published April 14, 2011 By Capt. Antonia Greene 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Local Civil Air Patrol cadet, Holly Harrington, 16, of Haddonfield, N.J. organized a prom dress collection drive for donation to the Dix Thrift Store, March 31. Harrington said she was inspired by her "Gold award" challenge for Girl Scouts of America and during the month of March collected more than 100 dresses, many still with tags from parents and friends. "When thinking of what to do for the project, I read an article in Seventeen that suggested ideas of what to do with your old prom dresses," said Harrington. "People were very generous." Along with the help of her mother, Harrington ensured all the dresses were fit for a queen. "They are all clean and any issues we found were fixed," said Harrington. "The best part is they are all unique. You don't have to worry about buying the same dress at the store as someone else." Along with the array of colorful ball gowns in varying sizes, Harrington collected matching shoes, most of them never worn. Wraps, clutches and jewels were also donated. "I can't thank them enough," said Sylvia Koch, Dix Thrift Store manager. "The dresses are gorgeous and any girl would be proud to wear them." She couldn't have been more right. The dresses were purchased as soon as they hit the rack Thursday. No dress, regardless of condition and designer, was priced more than $25. "They made our job so much easier. We already sold a few," said Koch. "They're flying out of here like hotcakes." The Dix Thrift Shop is located next to the museum on Pennsylvania Ave. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first and third Saturdays of each month. Gently-used donations and consignments are accepted 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.