CAZENOVIA — Cazenovia Public Library’s (CPL) prom wear drive and giveaway has returned for the third year to help make high schoolers’ prom dreams come true.
The library is collecting dressy accessories and new and gently used dresses/gowns, suits, suit jackets, tuxedos, ties, and shoes of all sizes for students around Madison County to shop at no cost.
Community members are invited to drop off their donations at the CPL circulation desk through the end of February.
According to CPL Youth Services Assistant Debora Millson, CPL gave away over 80 free items to students last year; this year, the goal is over 100.
The items collected will be distributed at pop-up events in March.
“The community has been so supportive, donating dresses, suits, and accessories — some even brand new with tags,” Millson said on Jan. 27. “. . . We’ll be visiting Cazenovia and DeRuyter High Schools again, and I’m also working on expanding to other schools in our area. [I] hope to have dates for those soon.”
Students can also peruse the clothing and accessories at CazCares from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, and at the library from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28, which is a half day of school for Cazenovia.
“At the library event, we’re thrilled to have ladies from Community Resources for Independent Seniors join us with their sewing machines to help with minor alterations for students,” said Millson.
According to Millson, CPL’s prom initiative grew out of its Halloween costume closet.
For the past three years, the library has collected Halloween costumes of all sizes, from baby to adult, and then opened a costume shop. Community Resources for Independent Seniors volunteers have assisted by repairing costumes and helping kids create accessories like capes.
“[Youth Services Coordinator Jenna Wright’s] incredible work on that project inspired me to think about what teens need, and prom quickly came to mind,” Millson said. “Prom dresses can be a significant expense, often worn for just one night. To make prom more accessible and reduce financial stress for families, we decided to give it a try. We have had great success the past two years, and Jenna and I look forward to the program every year. It’s truly incredible to see the excitement on the girls’ faces as they try on dresses. Watching them smile from ear to ear is heartwarming and a reminder of how meaningful this initiative can be.”
For more information on the prom wear giveaway, call CPL at 315-655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.