“Project Prom” is now taking donations of formal attire, to ensure every Gilmer High student can look and feel their best at the dance.
It’s a service project by the Kiwanis Club, whose mission is to make a difference in childrens’ lives by creating opportunities. They are partnering with the University of Georgia Extension Office and Gilmer County Family Connection Commission to provide their first prom closet to local students.
“We recognize that this is a time of year that things are extremely expensive, and we are trying to make it more affordable for all to go and enjoy a magical night, taking some of the pressure away,” Nancy Adams, the UGA Extension Coordinator and organizer of the prom closet, said.
Through the month of February, at the UGA Extension Office, they are collecting gently used prom dresses of all sizes, menswear suits, tuxedo jackets, slacks, ties, heels, dress shoes and jewelry.
Starting the first week of March, students will be able to “shop” at the Bobcat Boutique for all things prom, at no cost. That will be located at the Larry Walker Education Center on S. Main St. in Ellijay.
“We’re hoping to get a large selection of items donated, and then [the boutique] will remain open as needed for students to come in,” Adams noted.
Any high schooler that needs access to formal attire for prom, which is happening on April 19, will be able to come by the boutique, no questions asked.
“It’s to reduce, reuse and recycle,” Adams explained. “We want kids to have access, and if they find something they need or want, it’s theirs.”
People are asked to drop off their prom closet donations at the University of Georgia Extension Office, located at 1123 Progress Road in Ellijay. They are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 to 5 p.m. You are asked not to leave any donations outside.
Adams hopes that the prom closet can become a yearly service project by the Kiwanis Club, to allow formal attire to be reused and fill the recognized need from members in the community.
Make it Yours Alterations and Formalwear, a store owned by Alex Patterson in Ellijay, is also hosting its third annual dress drive. Patterson will be offering free, donated formal attire for students to come get from her shop on March 1.