Salt, shovels, satin, silk

Whitmore Ace Hardware isn’t just the place for tools, paint, and barbecues this month.

Amid the snow shovels and road salt, customers can find some of the hottest fashion trends in the local hardware stores.

The racks of dresses are part of this year’s collection for the annual Melissa’s Closet and Crystal’s Jewelry Box event. Organizers created the event to make prom dreams come true for hundreds of prom-goers, all to honor two former Reed-Custer High School students. Melissa Michalowski and Crystal Carr were both seniors at RCHS when they were killed in a car accident in December 2008. Each year, the event in their honor sells dresses for $5. This year’s event takes place March 3 at the Godley Park District.

Dress donations are being accepted now for long or short formal gowns that are from 2014 to new, and accessories including fancy jewelry, purses and shoes.

Dresses must be clean, on hangers and in excellent condition.

A list of drop off locations can be found on page 7B of this week's edition.