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Military Brides Get Chance At Free Wedding Gown

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

For a bride, what could be better than finding the perfect wedding gown?

How about getting it for free?

If you're a woman in the military getting ready to say "I do," or if you're a soon-to-be-spouse of a serviceman, you can apply for a wedding dress free of charge through Operation Bridal Gown.

Alfred Angelo, a leading manufacturer of bridal gowns and bridal party attire, donated nearly 200 gowns to Operation Homefront of Florida specifically for military personnel. The dresses come in all sizes and styles and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"A wedding gown is such a vital part of the whole experience," says Debbie Dragone, program manager of Operation Bridal Gown. "This gift helps the bride to concentrate on other aspects of the wedding; and this is one less expense for the new couple to worry about."

Operation Homefront requires proof of military status. To learn how to reserve a gown through Operation Bridal Gown, go to www.operationhomefront.net/florida or call Debbie Dragone at (561) 282-3275.

Denim Does Good

Listen up teens (and parents of teens).

You probably own several pairs of jeans you don't wear anymore. Maybe you think they don't fit quite right, or they're not stylish enough. Or maybe you just don't want them anymore.

Before you relegate them to the back of the closet or the bottom of the drawer, why not donate them to a needy teen?

Tween and teen retailer Aéropostale has teamed up with www.DoSomething.org, a nonprofit organization that helps teens in need, for its second Teens for Jeans drive. The campaign raises awareness about the growing number of homeless youth in the United States.

You can take any brand of gently worn jeans to any Aéropostale store through Feb. 22. The jeans will be donated to 500 youth shelters across the country. According to statistics, one-third of the homeless people in the United States are younger than 18.

Everyone who donates a pair of jeans will receive 25 percent off a new pair, though no purchase is necessary.

Last year, the campaign collected more than 125,000 pairs of jeans in just two weeks. This year's goal is to collect more than 200,000.

Helping in the cause are "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta and teen favorite Chace Crawford. Crawford plays Nate Archibald on "Gossip Girl," a character who was once homeless. Crawford stars in a public service announcement encouraging young people to take action in their communities. You can see it at www.TeensforJeans.com.

The campaign also wants to encourage teens to coordinate Teens for Jeans drives in their local high schools and colleges. If you'd like to start a drive, you can sign up at www.TeensforJeans.com. Students who collect more than 1,000 pairs of jeans will get a $500 Aéropostale gift card as well as a banner for their school in recognition of their contribution. (There will also be a mention in this column.)

There are Aéropostale stores at International Plaza, Westfield Citrus Park, Westfield Brandon, The Shops at Wiregrass and University Mall

If you have an idea worth hot pursuit, contact Cloe Cabrera at (813) 259-7656.

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