CULLMAN, Ala. – For many students, prom is a highlight of their high school years. But with the price of formal wear rising, shopping for a dream dress can be unaffordable and discouraging. Jennifer Garcia, president of Timeless Homeschool Events in Cullman and administrator of Alabama STEAM Academy, is working to change that through the Prom Closet event.
The event, which was held on March 22, was created to ensure every student can enjoy prom, regardless of financial situation, with a system that allows students to borrow a prom dress for a deposit of $20, which is returned when the dress is brought back clean.
“We never want a child to miss prom because they can’t afford a dress,” Garcia said. “If you need one, come get one.”
The event has already grown and caught the community’s eye. Hanceville’s King’s Home Thrift assisted in donating 30 dresses to the closet, and additional dresses were purchased online and received from donors in Huntsville. Garcia hopes the program will grow with partnerships with other local thrift stores and community organizations over the next year.
“So many prom dresses are worn once and then sit in a closet,” she explained. “By donating them, people can help create a memorable experience for students who might otherwise miss out.”
The closet is open to all students across the county, whether attending a homeschool prom or another prom in the area.
Plans are already in motion to expand the event. Garcia and her team want to host larger venues with various styles and sizes to accommodate every students’ needs and wishes. Community members can get involved with the Prom Closet by donating gently used prom dresses, making financial contributions to help purchase more dresses and cover event costs and volunteering to help with dress distribution, fittings and event coordination.
Get more information at www.timelesscullman.org or timelesshomeschoolcullman@gmail.com.
