In the wake of successfully receiving and distributing donations of 5,000 dresses over the years, Holly Phelps, owner of the Twirl Foundation nonprofit, has just one goal for the future: to keep it going for as long as possible.
Phelps started the Twirl Foundation a decade ago after starting to sell second-hand formal dresses in her shop, The Shady Lady, in downtown Centralia.
“We were selling formal dresses at a marked down price but people were asking if they could rent them instead,” she said.
Phelps saw the need young people had for affordable formal wear and immediately went to work.
The Twirl Foundation remained in the upstairs portion of The Shady Lady for many years but has since been moved to its own space just across the street on Tower Avenue.
Currently, the shop serves as a popup with formal dresses and other clothing items on sale so Phelps can continue to pay the rent and keep the shop open.
The free formal dress events will start on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
“As long as kids are in foster care, or searching for help, we’ll always need the power of free dresses and hygiene products,” Phelps said.
The Twirl Foundation is always accepting donations of lightly used formal wear for men and women as well as new, unused hygiene products.
While the majority of the dresses come from donations, Phelps also goes dress hunting at local thrift shops and yard sales. After the dresses arrive at the Twirl Foundation, Phelps and her volunteers launder and mend the dresses and other formal wear.
“We search for the best quality possible so the kids can leave feeling proud of what they’re wearing,” Phelps said.
The team at the Twirl Foundation also ensures that the clothing they source is on trend and adheres to some of the local schools’ themes.
Any volunteers are background checked, but there are not many.
“I want there to be no question about the kids’ safety,” Phelps said.
“I sell stuff all day. It’s truly a gift to be here.” Phelps said. “There’s real magic behind encouraging the next generation.”
The Twirl Foundation welcomes every high schooler of any walk of life. The move into the new building allows for safer changing areas and wheelchair accessibility.
“We’re guarding the fact that memories are being made here. This is a safe space where everyone can be comfortable, feel good and be accommodated,” Phelps said.
The fact that the Twirl Foundation is in its own space also provides privacy and normalcy for young people going through difficult situations.
“Kids can come in and shop like in a regular clothing boutique,” Phelps said. “There is a lot of vulnerability in asking for help. No one chooses where they’re born or where they come from, and my heart is with them.”
Phelps recalled that once a customer at The Twirl Foundation asked her, “Is it OK if I call you Lady?”
She responded, “Forever.”
Phelps said that she is not a social worker or working for any ministry.
“I’m here for dresses, hygiene products and resources,” Phelps said. “There is no judgment here.”
Because of this, Phelps believes that kids are more apt to accept free hygiene products and use more of the resources she offers.
“Some of these kids are in hard situations,” Phelps said. “Access to formal clothing, hygiene products and resources gives them hope, keeps their self esteem up and pulls them toward their future. It empowers them to overcome whatever they might be dealing with.”
The Twirl Foundation does not use photos of their customers to promote their business.
“We purposely do not take photos,” Phelps said. “There are enough images of poverty, and these kids don’t deserve to become a poster child of poverty.”
The Twirl Foundation is Phelps’ passion project. She became tearful when describing just how deeply she cares for the young people who enter her store.
“It is truly a heartfelt privilege to do this. It’s a gift in my heart,” she said.
She said she believes that, “silent acts of giving are the sweetest, most wonderful gifts to humanity.”
The word has spread about the dress “Lady” in Centralia, and kids are coming from every corner of the county and as far as Puyallup to visit her shop.
“I’m really excited to see the kids this year,” Phelps said.
The Twirl Foundation is a nonprofit organization, so any donations made to them can be backed with a receipt.
“Being able to access free formal wear gives these kids the opportunity to spend their money on other things like a nice dinner or getting their hair or nails done.” Phelps said.
The foundation also accepts donations for paying for kids’ hair and nail appointments as well as dinners. They’re also looking for flower sponsors this year.
Any monetary donations go directly to the foundation’s goals of providing young people with beautiful formal wear, as well as access to necessary hygiene products and resources that can change lives.
“I would love to keep the storefront going as long as I can,” Phelps said. “I’ll be doing this until I’m old and wrinkly. Or until I can’t button a button or tie a tie.”
The Twirl Foundation is at 211 N. Tower Ave. in Centralia. Learn more by following the foundation on Facebook .
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