Team Moody donates to Operation Cinderella

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren M. Hunter
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody began its annual Operation Cinderella, a donation drive for women’s formal attire, Aug. 23, at the Thrift Shop.

Operation Cinderella is a national campaign that Moody has adopted to provide a free alternative to purchasing women’s formal attire for those who wish to attend Moody’s upcoming Air Force Ball, slated for Sept. 17.

“The purpose of Operation Cinderella is to gain max participation during the Air Force Ball by offering a solution for those who felt they may not have been able to attend due to not having a nice dress,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Pelham, Operation Cinderella coordinator.

During the Air Force ball, military members are required to wear their semi-formal or mess dress uniform, while their spouses or civilians in attendance must wear formal attire.

“As a new family to Moody, we were looking forward to attending the Air Force Ball,” said Jayhida Mota-Robinson, wife of Airman 1st Class Janiqua Robinson, 23d Wing photojournalist. “However, formal gowns are not cheap and it’s hard to justify that extra expense for just one night when you have a family to take care of.

“Operation Cinderella takes that stress away for spouses such as myself and allows us to go to the ball in a pretty dress without the cost,” Jayhida added.

Formal gowns, prom dresses or accessories can be donated or picked up by anyone in need during the Thrift Shop’s normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Recipients are invited to keep their dress or accessories as long as they wish, but are encouraged to continue the giving cycle by donating the attire in future years to come.

The donation drive will continue until the Friday before the ball, Sept. 16.

Individuals with questions regarding the donation or pick-up of a dress can call Staff Sgt. Justin Pelham at (229) 257-4339.

For information regarding the purchase of Air Force ball tickets, please call Master Sgt. John Davis at (229) 257-3211.