FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Finding affordable formal wear these days can be a challenge; however, Operation Deploy Your Dress’ annual “Love Is In The Air” event Feb. 10 here enabled those seeking formal wear to do so without a heavy financial burden.
The event, sponsored by H-E-B, had more than 23 shoppers browse the current inventory to find the right dress or suit to wear on Valentine’s Day, upcoming weddings and other fast approaching formal events.
More than just love was in the air as festive music echoed through the storefront. A lounge area stocked with snacks and drinks welcomed prospective shoppers prior to their visit to the dress and suit shop. There, a staff of more than 12 volunteers helped shoppers find just the right piece of formal wear before making their final decisions.
“Everyone here is friendly and it is a refreshing experience every time I visit,” said Jessica Ledford, who is a repeat customer at ODYD. “It makes us feel included.”
ODYD is a program that was founded in 2015 at Fort Bliss, Texas, as an internal “dress swapping” exchange amongst military spouses to defer some of the costs of attending unit functions. Almost 10 years later the organization has grown to 13 brick-and-mortar store fronts at installations around the world. The current goal is to improve the quality of life of military families by offsetting the high cost of attending formal military functions, especially for junior service members. ODYD is hosted here by the Fort Cavazos Spouse’s Club, which supports numerous events to help military spouses feel welcome at the Great Place.
“It is the instant gratification of watching our volunteers impacting our community, and instantly make someone feel good, beautiful and confident,” said Niki Strong, president of the Fort Cavazos ODYD.
Prospective shoppers at ODYD have the option to pick two items of formal wear in a calendar year, with one item selected per visit based off inventory availability. Additionally, shoppers can pick one accessory such as shoes, purses and other items per calendar year.
The Love Is In The Air event was unique as it did not count against the two-item limit per year, affording those in need another opportunity to dress to impress at their next formal event.
“We do sidewalk sales, luncheons and other events annually that do not count against the two dress a year limit,” said Courtney Flohr, president of the Fort Cavazos Spouse’s Club. “ODYD really helps offset the impact to our community for attending formal events as the costs really do add up quickly.”
Although the selection was expansive at one of the largest ODYD storefronts, the team of volunteers that staffed the event encouraged others to donate their lightly used formal wear to the help others in need.
“Because we are a donation-based organization, we are always encouraging people to donate,” Strong said. “We had roughly 93 dresses come in during January, with 98 going out,” she continued.
To donate to ODYD, you can visit the general opening events, or make donations at the drop boxes at the beauty salon in the Fort Cavazos Main Exchange or at the Great Place Gift Shop.
For more information on how you can help the program or volunteer at the next event, visit fortcavazosspousesclub.org/odyd.
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