Prom is probably the most magical and memorable time in a high school student’s career.
It’s also one of the most expensive times as students buy dresses, rent tuxedoes, purchase tickets and rent limousines. And don’t forget those flowers.
To help girls of modest means enjoy their prom experience like everyone else, the Oxford Public Library is serving as a drop-off point for donations to Hope Closet.
Hope Closet is a nonprofit organization working to provide young women the opportunity to attend special high school events with a dress of their choice, regardless of financial constraints or limitations.
The group relies on businesses and local communities to provide apparel, financial donations and volunteer support to assist young women in building self-esteem.
From now through March 4, the Oxford Library on Pontiac Street is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, purses, wraps and costume jewelry. All the items donated must be dry cleaned with no tears, rips or stains.
‘I think it’s a great idea,? said Charli Osborne, head of the library’s teen services. ‘There are a lot of girls who don’t have all the extra money to spend on all the stuff that goes along with prom.?
‘I’ve seen those dresses. A lot of those dresses are $300-$400. Shoes are expensive. A purse is expensive,? she added.
Other drop-off points will include the public libraries in Brandon, Orion and Independence townships.
The whole thing was organized by Jeanette Marks, head of the teen department at the Brandon library.
‘We have eight dresses already, which is great,? Osborne said. ‘I’m hoping I can get more.?
‘One of our pages (OHS sophomore Alivia Palermo) brought in some of her dresses,? she noted.
‘I have a lot of dresses and I wasn’t going to wear those anymore, so I thought maybe somebody else could use them,? said Palermo, who donated three lovely frocks.
Having young girls donate to others in their age group fosters a sense of community and civic-minded attitudes.
‘Which is kind of what we like to encourage in teenagers,? Osborne noted.
She hopes some the dresses will come back to other girls in the Oxford area, but even if they don’t the simple act of giving will be its own reward for the donors.
Once all the dresses and accessories have been collected from the drop-off points, Osborne said they will be forwarded to a storefront ? the location of which has not yet been determined ? where the girls can set up appointments to come in and shop.
‘They usually try and do it at a major mall,? Osborne said.
To be able to shop at Hope Closet, girls need to show either a valid school ID or a report card indicating they’re currently enrolled in school.
Another way the library is helping Oxford girls get ready for prom is by hosting the second annual ‘Prom Pretty Lock-in,? a free program set for Friday, March 23 from 6-9 p.m.
Professionals from Glitz NXT Salon in Orion will spend two hours giving hair and makeup demonstrations followed by an hour of hands-on experimentation with the various products and techniques.
All the tools and makeup will be supplied, but girls may want to bring a mirror. Free pizza, snacks and drinks will be served.
Registration is limited and a signed parental permission form is required.
For more information about either Hope Closet or the Prom Pretty Lock-in call the teen services desk at 628-3034 ext.231 or e-mail Osborne directly cosborne@oxford.lib.mi.us.
To contact Hope Closet directly e-mail hopecloset@yahoo.com or write Hope Closet P.O. Box 530413, Livonia, MI 48153.