When many Wayne County students qualify for free or reduced lunches, prom dresses, tuxes and accessories might be a financial stretch for their families.
Some local volunteers try to ensure those traditional teen activities are accessible to as many students as possible.
One such effort is the Cinderella’s Closet at Cambridge City Christian Church, which also operates a food and clothing pantry on the third Saturday each month for those who live in the Western Wayne Schools district boundaries.
Kelsie Patton, a paramedic, and Nancy Alford, who retired from Lincoln Middle/High School, are gathering and organizing donations for the third annual dress giveaway. It takes place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the church, 106 W. Church St., Cambridge City.
“My goal with this project is to be able to provide all area girls with the ability to experience prom and to feel special,” Patton said.
In the past two years, Cinderella’s Closet has given away more than 100 dresses. It is open to any girl, even those outside Wayne County.
Patton said her inspiration came from attending New Castle High School, which offered a prom closet.
“I honestly never thought it would be as big as it is now,” Patton said of Cinderella’s Closet.
Dresses, shoes, jewelry or other accessories can be delivered to the church’s office from 8 a.m.-noon weekdays. Tuxedos also would be a welcome addition to expand the offerings.
Any donations that aren’t distributed this year will be stored for next year, Patton said.
Patton eventually would like to expand the closet to include bridal dresses too.
For more information about Cinderella’s Closet, call 765-478-5123.
Hagerstown
Hagerstown High School just started a Prom Closet this year.
Donors can drop off dresses and shoes at HHS’ office between 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Monetary donations also are welcome, according to counselor Julie Arnold.
“If a student cannot find a dress that fits, then we’d like to be able to help them purchase a new one,” Arnold said. “Once they use it, they then donate it to the prom closet for someone else to use in the future.”
Arnold said the prom closet, which started in November, has received quite a few donations. Four students already utilized the closet before December’s Snowball Dance.
Local resident Mike Reberger designed and built the racks. Reberger is a member of Hagerstown’s Methodist church that always has been willing to help students, Arnold said.
Northeastern
Northeastern keeps a collection of prom dresses, dress pants and shirts for its students when needed and always accepts donations, said Secretary Rachel Bales.
Bales said NHS also promotes Cinderella’s Closet in Cambridge City to its students.
Richmond
Jen Hartman, applied skills teacher, said RHS accepts donations of both men’s and women’s formalwear that are relatively in style and gently worn.
RHS’ formalwear collection is currently open to its students, who will be able to schedule a time to view selections beginning in March.
Clothing donations can be made at RHS’ visitors center (Door 1) at 380 Hub Etchison Parkway.
Monetary donations also are accepted. RCS’ school board would approve them at a future meeting, along with other financial gifts.
A version of this article appeared in the February 21 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.