It”s not a Cinderella Story until she wears the gown.
That”s the premise behind The Cinderella Project in Lowndes County.
The program, run entirely by volunteers “on a mission to make prom dreams come true for financially challenged students,” collects formal gowns to give away for free.
Dress drives for new or like-new formals, shoes and accessories will be held throughout the remainder of the year until the upcoming 2010 prom season.
Girls who are in need of a gown will need to provide a current school ID card on Boutique Day, which will be announced as the day approaches.
Boutique Day will be the venue where girls can browse for free gowns and accessories prior to their school”s prom.
Referrals from community members, guidance counselors, church members, and social service clubs will have a special pre-pass before the opening Boutique Day.
Megan Brown, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Keith Brown is stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, founded the local program.
“As constantly relocating can often be disconnecting from the community that we live in, I wanted to make a difference,” said Megan Brown. “Some form of The Cinderella Project is duplicated all over our country.
“After thorough research, no such program exists in the entire state. … Prom is a rite of passage for all girls. They deserve to have memories that, because of financial constraints, they might not have had otherwise.”
Rob Naugher State Farm Agency, at 202 Hospital Drive, 662-327-1671, is the official drop-off site for new donations.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact Megan Brown at 662-549-9492 for more information about the program or to become a sponsor.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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