
OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Prom season is right around the corner, and a local woman is helping teens look and feel their best on their special night.
On Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., girls from any school district can attend 20 Church Street for a prom dress giveaway. The event is completely free and open to all who wish to attend. It features over 220 gently used dresses as well as shoes and accessories.
The initiative was started by Stacey Morgan. Morgan got the idea when she was helping her parents move things out of their basement. While cleaning, her son’s fiancé Bailey noticed a few evening dresses and they began talking about prom. Bailey shared she was unable to attend prom because she did not have a dress and said she wished there was a way to give the dresses to girls in need. Morgan’s mother was willing to donate the gowns and plans for the program were underway.
Morgan says they started out with five dresses and two pairs of shoes in February. She shared the idea with her church, Owego Nazarene, and they helped get the word out. SpellBound Books and Create 2 Create Workshop also participated, serving as drop of locations.
Morgan says the event started as a personal project, but she feels it has really turned into a community project.
“Especially with everything being so expensive right now, no girl should have to miss out on a formal dance because they didn’t have a dress. It’s more than an outfit… it’s a sense of belonging. All I know is seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces when they found ‘the’ dress and the relief and joy on the mom’s face to be able to say, ‘Yes to the Prom Dress!’, made every minute worth it,” said Morgan.
This is the giveaways first year. Morgan says she would love to make it an annual event. She says they hope to expand to include suits next year as well.
Additionally, there will also be door prizes with items and services donated by local businesses including Park Lane Jewelry, Glow Spa Tanning and Fitness, Hair Design, New Beginnings, Styles by Shelby, and Van Horn Jewelers.
Any dresses and accessories that may be leftover will be donated to the Candor Children’s Closet for their prom dress giveaway on April 27.