Senator Fowler launches Dress Distribution Program
3/8/2021
State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is teaming up with local organizations to facilitate a dress distribution program, giving away over 600 youth-sized girl dresses to families in need throughout Southern Illinois.
Senator Fowler received the dresses courtesy of Joy Casino, a 97-year-old Florida resident who has sewn over 10,000 dresses over the past decade to provide clothing to children all over the world.
“Joy’s talent and generous donations have helped those in need for years, and I am honored to be able to help spread her kindness to children who may otherwise go without in Southern Illinois,” said Senator Fowler. “With the Easter holiday just around the corner, we want to be able to get the word out about this availability of these beautiful dresses and help as many families as possible.”
Senator Fowler is partnering together with the following area organizations to help distribute dresses over the next month:
- Caritas Family Solutions: 10286 Fleming Road in Carterville, IL | (618) 985-2000
- Foster Family Resource Center: 695 North Giant City Road, Suite 1 in Carbondale, IL | (618) 529-5558
- Lutheran Social Services: 1616 West Main Street #1146 in Marion, IL | (618) 997-9196
- The Night’s Shield Children Center: 301 East Garland Street in West Frankfort, IL | (618) 932-6400
- United Way of Southern Illinois: 1800 West Boulevard Street, Suite D in Marion, IL | (618) 997-7744
Each partner in the program will have over 100 dresses available at their facility. Distribution of their dresses will be dependent on each organizations preferences and procedures. For those interested in receiving a free dress, please call the nearest facility to learn more.
“Clothing insecurity is a very real problem which many families face throughout our country,” said Sen. Fowler. “I hope this small gesture can make a difference in the lives of those in our communities.”
Senator Fowler also credits the Arise Veterans Foundation for helping coordinate the delivery of the dresses to his District.
“This distribution program would not have been possible without the assistance of the Arise Veterans Foundation who helped ensure the dresses made their way from Florida to Southern Illinois,” said Sen. Fowler.
Dress sizes range from 6 months to girl size 12. For questions about the ongoing program, e-mail senatorfowler59@gmail.com.