State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown’s office held its fourth annual prom dress giveaway at Greater Bible Way Temple this past weekend.
Junior and senior high school students received prom dresses donated from women residents around the neighborhood, including some donations from retail brands like Lord & Taylor.
“Just seeing the girls come in, not knowing what to expect and then leaving with a big smile because what we like about this program is it’s more than the gown,” Henrietta Hadley said. “It’s about the self esteem and encouraging a young person to really enjoy a part of their high school years that in most cases they’re not going to be able to get back.”
In addition to the dresses, students could also take shoes and accessories, which were also donated from the community, to match their dresses. Representatives from Mary Kay took part and were available to offer makeup advice to students.
“I had a young lady who is a jewelry wholesaler that just dropped off about 400 pieces,” Hadley said.
Information packets were given to students and parents on how to stay safe during prom night.
“We had a representative from the 19th District, as well as the state representative, speak with the girls about the actual laws governing prom night, like the drinking and even being in a car with someone that is drinking and driving,” volunteer Carroll Crestwell-Allen said. “We talk about the negative things to include the positive so that it can really make it a special night.”
The giveaway was a three-day event, which received over 500 gowns and gave away over 200 dresses to local students.
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