BELTON, Texas — The 'Night to Shine' event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
For the first time, Temple Bible Church will host the 'Night to Shine' event for special needs people 14 and older Friday, Feb. 9.
Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center (HOCTIL) is one of the three organizations hosting the event. They support people of all ages with disabilities and advocate for equal access and actively participate in their community.
To make sure every person attending the event had a dress or tuxedo to wear to the 'Night to Shine' event, HOCTIL Children & Youth Program Manager for Central Texas Susie Marek began accepting formal clothing donations from the community last year.
"There will be 175 people from Temple and 175 people from Waco attending the event," Marek shared.
With over 300 people expect to attend the event, the organization accepted donations of dresses, suit jackets, jewelry, socks, and other formal items. With the community's help, they were able to collect over 100 items of clothing for those who need it.
"It's really important for them to feel valued and for them to know that they're loved and validated," Marek added.
HOCTIL will also be donating what they receive to special education students in other school districts that need them for their proms or special events.
Another organization, Being His Hands & Feet Ministry, is accepting prom clothing donations, and is offering to take clothing donations or to be a place where teens can get prom outfits.
Finances can be a gray area when teens are preparing for prom. This is why Tiffani Conner, ministry director, believes helping anyone feel special regardless of their circumstances is what God called the ministry to do.
"We want to let them be honored and let them know that they're every bit as important and valued as anyone else,"
The church has a clothing boutique named 'Blessing Boutique' that gives away free clothing to people in need. Their free prom clothing giveaway is happening Saturday March, 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The ministry accepts regular clothing donations, food donations, and monetary donations as well.