OWEGO (WBNG) — A massive prom dress giveaway was underway on Wednesday in the Village of Owego.
Co-organizer of the giveaway Stacey Morgan got the idea for this giveaway after learning her daughter-in-law didn’t get to attend her prom because she couldn’t afford a dress.
Morgan started with five dresses, and through community donations, she collected more than 200. She also acquired shoes, jewelry, accessories and gift certificates for nail and hair appointments.
“We had no idea what to expect,” said Morgan. “If we could help one girl, that would have been worth it to us.”
According to multiple department stores, the average cost for a prom dress ranges from $300 to $600. The goal of this giveaway is to help students feel beautiful without financial burden.
“We’ve had a couple of moms that come in that are just very relieved, especially with the way the economy is right now,” said Morgan. “They are happy that their daughter can find something that they feel beautiful in that isn’t an expense to the family.”
This giveaway is a first for Morgan and her family. It is something that brings her aunt, Lisa Baker, to tears.
“We grew up to be a caring family and to be kind. I think in our society nowadays that’s hard to find sometimes,” said Baker in tears. “So, the kindness that Stacey shares in everything that she does and she does it with love from her heart. I am so proud of her.”
The giveaway happened at 20 Church St. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Any dresses that are left over will be donated to Candor Children’s Closet.
Morgan hopes to continue this giveaway next year with tuxes and other outfit options.
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