As prom season approaches, efforts to alleviate the financial burden of the high school rite of passage have come to fruition in Glendale and Chico, with two initiatives offering free formal attire to students. In Glendale, The Prom Closet opened its doors yesterday and today and will open again next Saturday and Sunday at the System of Care Campus, providing free dresses, suits, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories with no financial requirements or restrictions, ABC15 reported.
Over a decade since its inception, The Prom Closet has expanded from fewer than five dressing rooms to over a dozen, last year serving about 650 students. Students not only have access to a variety of donated formal wear but also the assistance of volunteer personal shoppers, cleaners, and tailors, ensuring that prom-goers can look their best for the much-anticipated night. Those interested in contributing to The Prom Closet's mission can find donation drop-off locations throughout the Valley.
Similarly, up North in Chico, Cinderella's Closet saw students from Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties arrive at the Chico Marketplace to select from a range of donated formal wear during the event sponsored by the Chico Marketplace and the California Teachers Association. According to a statement, Yailyn Serrano and Leslie Zepeda-Macias of the California Teachers Association applauded the community's generous donations and the collaborative efforts by organizations such as National Charity League to host the event, Action News Now reported.
One attendee, Nicolette Tonelli expressed to Action News Now the relief in finding a prom dress that didn't carry the typical high price tag. "I'm here to get some fun dresses that aren't expensive because prom is very expensive, and not all of us have the ability to go shopping for some extravagant dresses for one night," said Tonelli. Mackenzie Forge, another student, shared her enthusiasm about a blue dress she found, "It feels really good, I'm really happy," she told Action News Now. Cinderella's Closet wrapped up with its final day today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Chico Marketplace, offering a last chance for students to find their perfect prom outfit at no cost.
