Angel Holmes shows off one of the prom dresses available for giveaway at Saturday's prom dress event held at the War Memorial Building. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Members of the Boots on the Ground Leadership Academy welcomed those in need of a formal gown to peruse racks of donated dresses and select one at no cost to them.

“We were contacted and told that there was a need for prom dresses,” said academy leader Teresa Holmes. “I believe there used to be a prom dress drive at Washington High School, prior to the pandemic, that has not returned. I was asked if I could do an event.”

The give-away, held on Saturday in the War Memorial Building, featured racks of approximately 70 dresses as well as shoes, purses and other accessories necessary to make prom night a dream come true.

“We got so many dresses from so many wonderful people,” said Angel Holmes, also a member of the Boots on the Ground organization. “I don’t think this will be a one-time event.”

According to Angel, the dresses that were donated are not only geared toward prom but would be selections for homecoming events and other events where formalwear is needed.

Dresses from Saturday’s event that were not selected by those who needed a dress will be retained for future events. In addition, they will be used in an upcoming fashion show, as an empowerment event.

“The models in that fashion show will get to select the dresses they want to wear and then keep them after the show is over,” Teresa said.

Boots on the Ground Leadership Academy provides multiple opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in fun, learning-filled career advocacy and leadership development activities, including community service and workshops. The group, formerly known as Teens Bounce Back, originally focused on self-esteem development, but has since expanded into additional areas.

“Because we are doing so much, we decided that a re-brand was necessary and we became Boots on the Ground Leadership Academy,” Teresa said, adding that the group has seven organizing members, including Carla Evans, who serves as its co-director.

“Angel, Carla and I decide on activities and the rest of the team comes on board to help make them happen,” Teresa said.

While the group originally served primarily teens, with the re-branding, they have expanded to help youth from kindergarten age and up. An example of another of their programs that is kicking off is the Blossoming Beauties that focuses on those in fourth through eighth grade.

Boots on the Ground has a Facebook page, where up-to-date information on events and activities can be found. They also offer a text-only line, 304-279-4431, to which youth can text their needs.