ABILENE, TX — Prom isn’t an option for many families who can’t buy a dress or tuxedo, but a program is changing that.
Paying for hair, makeup, tickets, and a prom dress costs $600 to $700 according to the Prom Across America Survey.
An Abilene High School teacher started ‘Cinderella’s Closet’ ten years ago.
“We noticed that we had students in need on campus,” Jennifer Jordan said.
Today, she works with student council to collect dresses and tuxedos to provide a free option.
They hope it will allow students to feel like a princess.
“Our conversation became ‘how can we help the senior girls make sure that they get to prom,’” Jordan said.
The program is also at Cooper High School.
Some years, as many as 25 girls take home a free dress and accessories.
“I think it becomes more and more important every year because we have a rise in our low-socioeconomic status kids every single year,’” Jordan said.
And, no one knows the prom outfit is completely donated.
“Nobody on campus knows and when they show up at prom you can’t tell that they’re dress came from Cinderella’s Closet,’” Jordan said.
Teachers and students look forward to making sure everyone, has the chance to enjoy prom.