MORGANTOWN — Most teens of high school age look forward to things like prom night and graduation.
However, for some, going to a prom may be just a dream. With the cost of a dress, having hair and nails done, plus other miscellaneous expenses, many young ladies might wonder where they will get the money to have the chance to enjoy such an evening.
WV Caring’s Cinderella Project can make those dreams come true.
WV Caring is a nonprofit providing advanced illness care in 12 counties in north-central West Virginia. The organization prides itself on being community-centered, and has been offering the Cinderella Project to young women for over a decade.
Vice President of Public Affairs Cindy Woodyard says the need for the program in the community has attracted many individuals and organizations.
“We believe that every young woman and man deserves the opportunity to attend their prom looking beautiful on the outside as well as feeling special and empowered on the inside,” said Woodyard.
Everything a girl might need to attend the prom will be available to them at WV Caring Resale Shops in Bellview and Reedsville. All dresses, accessories and shoes are donated and cost only $5 each. The money collected benefits WV Caring for patient care for people who may not have the money otherwise.
Woodyard said many dresses they receive have the tags still on them.
She said in the coming week, the organization and the stores will be ramping up to provide dresses for the prom season.
On March 17, the Bellview store will be holding a fashion show, and the Reedsville store will have live modeling.
Girls can attend the fashion show and shop for dream dresses directly after. Debbie Markley, who works in the Bellview store, said participating in the fashion show is a good way for girls to gain volunteer hours that are often required to graduate from high school. Markley also said dresses often go quick. Last year the store had prom dresses for just two weeks before they were gone.
Woodyard said donations are still being accepted. She said they have received donations from sororities, and businesses have donated certificates for things like hair and nails.
Woodyard also wants girls to know this is a good way to be smart about finances. It could be a way to find a dream dress without breaking the bank. Anyone can shop for their prom dress at the resale shops.
“Today, we are making sure that every single girl that wants to go to the prom has the opportunity to do that,” she said.
Dress donations will be taken at any WV Caring office, located all over the state. Questions: 800-350-1161 or Debbie Markley at 304-366-7995.
The fashion show at the Bellview location, and live modeling at the Reedsville location will be from noon-2 p.m. March 17.
