Senior year is one of the most costly for families because many don’t want their kid to miss out on the traditions and celebrations that come along with the end of this chapter of their life. Senior pictures, graduation announcements, trips, college applications…the list goes on and on, but when it comes to prom, Cinderella Project has given teens in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley a chance to take that cost off the table, and here are the ways you can help local students in your area do the same!
Goodwill
Thrift stores have a ton of formal attire on their racks but we all know it can be hard to get a teenager to accept a thrifted look. So you can buy some clothing, have it dry cleaned, and then gift it to your local high school or to a family friend’s kid who may need.
Sponsor Prom
If you’re a business owner, become a sponsor of prom this year. The more sponsors they can get, the cheaper they can usually get the cost of tickets.
Donate Shoes
One of the most needed items at Cinderella Project where shoes, and we all know formal shoes can cost a pretty penny. So if you have old pairs you don’t need anymore…let them go to someone who does.
Sewing Skills
Not every student is going to be able to walk into a secondhand store and find a dress that fits right, so if you’ve got sewing skills – volunteer to help students get their looks fitting like a glove.
Make Up & Hair
If you work at a salon, see if you’d be able to gift free hair and makeup to students in need during prom season because in working with Cinderella Project, I met a lot of people who didn’t know where to begin with those aspects of getting ready for prom night.
Hold a Drive
Set up a local drive in your area for prom attire. Get the community involved.
Photography
Just like with makeup, hair, and sewing…photography is a skill you can donate. Prom photos can cost an arm and a leg, but if you ask the school if you could do the photos and have the kids download them digitally to print if they want – that’d save them and their parents money.
Start Your Own Prom Closet
You can set up a prom closet at your local high school so kids can come and pick their attire as needed during prom season.
Donate
Nonprofits like Cinderella Project don’t just need funding for the items they give but also rent, bills, and other aspects so monetary donations are always appreciated.
Suit and Dress Shops
Check out dress and suit shops in your area that may have overstock items or pieces that are out of season that aren’t selling anymore, and see if they would be willing to donate them to local students.
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