The season of giving inspires the best in people and a new charitable cause for young ladies will bring more than just a smile for them, it will bring opportunity.

Stephanie Humphrey and Sherri Todd started a local dress drive at First Christian Church that will provide formal dresses for young ladies and give them the opportunity to attend their school dances in a dress that they might not have been able to afford otherwise.

“There are a lot of girls that don’t go to prom or the formal because they don’t have a fancy dress,” said Todd. “We wanted to give those girls the chance to go, because they deserve it.”

A similar type of dress donation in Modesto inspired the dress drive.

“Turlockers like to be Turlockers and sometimes going to Modesto isn’t really an option,” said Humphrey. “It’s nice to have a dress drive here to keep it local and have that strong community support.”

Collection and distribution for the dresses will be on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Christian Church, 180 S. Denair Ave. in Turlock.

“Those who need a dress can come into the church and get one for free,” said Todd. “We are also giving away shoes.”

Dress and shoe donations will rely on support from the community and Humphrey encourages those who have a spare dress or pair of heels to donate for the girls.

“Dresses are something that are not cheap, but they are something that can be recycled,” she said. “Many people, especially right now, can’t afford them and it’s a great opportunity for those individuals who are in need of them.”

The drive will continue throughout the upcoming year on the first Saturday of March and May, both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Christians Church.

“It’s our way to give back,” said Todd. “It can really help people out so much.”