ASYMCA hosts dress giveaway

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Families aboard the Combat Center were presented an opportunity to receive a dress courtesy of the Armed Services YMCA during a dress giveaway at the ASYMCA building, March 21, 2014.

The ASYMCA works to make military life easier for the Marines, sailors, and families aboard the Combat Center. They are committed to strengthening the military community through events and social programs.

The giveaway came in anticipation of the Marine Corps Community Services’ Father-Daughter Dance slated to be held today. Dresses of various colors and types made for a broad selection of style.

“Here we can alleviate a little of the stress in getting ready for a big event, especially here where shopping opportunities can be so limited,” said Laura Scotto, special events and volunteer coordinator, ASYMCA. “We wanted to help out and give a thank you to the families.”

According to Scotto, the event was organized as a spin-off of the annual Belle of the Ball dress giveaway for Combat Center spouses. A proposal to sponsor a giveaway for daughters was green-lit in anticipation of the upcoming dance.

Parents arrived with girls whom gleefully smiled at the dress options before them, and shared the excitement.

“I decided to take advantage of this opportunity because it saved money and travel,” said Tabitha Guzman, Marine spouse, whom received a dress for her daughter, Danika, 2. “I’m glad the ASYMCA does things like this because it helps out families who need it. We are excited about the dance.”

The dresses came from various donors, to include churches and families in the community, according to Scotto.

“We hope events like [the dance] continue and get a good turnout, and to help families in events like this for years to come,” Scotto said.