- May 3, 2024
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Wanda Petronski wears the same faded blue dress to school every day. She is made fun of by her classmates, and the ridicule becomes worse when she claims to own 100 dresses, all lined up in her closet at her worn-down house. When the teacher holds a drawing contest in which the girls are to draw dresses of their own design, Wanda submits 100 beautiful designs; these were her hundred dresses.
So goes the story of “The Hundred Dresses,” a 1944 children’s book by Eleanor Estes and the inspiration for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ newest Relief Society project.
The group’s goal was to gather 100 dresses and donate them to The Precious Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves as an aid for men, women, and children who are victims of domestic abuse in Flagler County.
“I’ve been so excited about it,” said Heide Boyd, Relief Society president. “There’s not a greater feeling than coming outside of yourself and helping others. There’s a lot of need out there, and I try to find ways that the women can feel that and grow closer to Christ with other people.”
After only two weeks of collecting, the goal was surpassed, and after the third week, 146 dresses spilled over the racks in the Relief Society room at the Bunnell church.
“We felt like we wanted to seek out and help those in need, and one way we could to that is by donating to Precious Hearts,” Boyd said. “We were looking for an organization that had something to do with women and compassion and this was one that came to mind.”
Valerie Morley, first counselor in the Relief Society, spearheaded the project.
“Some ladies have to go (to the shelter) at night and with only what’s on their back — and bring their kids. If you only have one outfit, they could feel helpless,” Morley said.
The goal of the Relief Society is to bring families to Christ. Boyd said that this project teaches the young girls in the church Christ-like sacrifice and it’s something that mothers and daughters can do together.
One young girl who participated in the donation process is Boyd’s daughter Millie. The 6-year-old donated four dresses from her closet because she said everyone should have a pretty dress.
With such a great response from the church, the group has decided to extend the dress drive for another month and open it to the public.
“We would be happy to accept donations outside of the church,” Morley said. “Anyone is welcome to participate; everyone is a child of God and has great qualities. They can join in worship or drop a dress off.”
To donate, visit the church 7:30 a.m. to noon Sundays or 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, at 400 N. Palmetto St., Bunnell.
