Enchanted Closet needs help outfitting Metro Atlanta girls for prom

Organization aims to make prom night an enchanted one for girls from low income families in Metro Atlanta for 12th year in a row

The Enchanted Closet, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization serving teenage girls from low-income households across metro Atlanta, needs donations of prom attire and volunteers to help outfit 500 girls in need for the 2014 prom season. Donation drop-off points are located throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Donation locations include: 

Northeast Atlanta

Purple Corkscrew Wine Shop-1459 Oxford Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Monday By appointment only
Tuesday-Saturday 12:00-7:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Call (404) 373-3263 with questions.

Downtown Atlanta

Georgia State University, Office of Civic Engagement - 429 University Center, 66 Courtland Street, Atlanta, GA 30302-3973 (bookstore building)
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am–5:15 pm
For inquiries: sbaskin@gsu.edu

Decatur

Lucy Goosey Gifts, Decatur Vista Grove Shopping Center – 2840 Lavista Road Decatur, GA 30033
Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm and Sunday 12:00-5:30 pm

Call (404)633-5463 with questions.

South Atlanta

New Vision Christian Church, 5300 Frontage Road Forest Park, GA 30297

The collected items will be given away at the Enchanted Closet 12th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Vision Christian Church, 5300 Frontage Road, Forest Park, GA 30297 and on Saturday, March 29  from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, 80 Forsyth Street N.W., Atlanta, 30303. 

Items in need include:

• New or gently used formal dresses that are clean, in good condition and teen appropriate
• Prom accessories such as shoes, jewelry, purses, wraps and shoes
• Gift certificates to restaurants
• Hair and makeup services, florists, limos and nail salons
• Moving service
• Refreshments for volunteers

The Enchanted Closet’s Prom Dress Giveaway began in 2003 as a project to provide prom dresses to teenage girls whose families were financially challenged.  To date, the Enchanted Closet has outfitted more than 5000 girls for special occasions. During the Prom Dress Giveaway, the Enchanted Closet offers a boutique-style setting and provides personal shoppers – people who are volunteers – to help each girl choose that perfect dress, accessories and makeup for their special night. 

 “The Enchanted Closet believes that every girl should have the chance to attend her high school prom,” said Bonita Johnson, Enchanted Closet President and CEO. “Unfortunately, many girls will miss their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because they cannot afford to buy dresses. Their families have to make a choice between household or school expenses or purchasing a dress. Since many teenagers today are being raised by single parents, grandparents and others on a fixed income, prom season can be a stressful time.”

Enchanted Closet encourages girls to be smart shoppers by providing them an opportunity to get beautiful gowns for $10, a handling fee that helps to offset the costs of dry-cleaning, alterations, and set-up. Accessories are available on a limited basis, including jewelry, wraps, and shoes. Registration for the Prom Dress Giveaway for interested girls and volunteers opened the first week in February and will remain open until appointment times are filled. Visit enchantedcloset.org/student-registration to get eligibility requirements for participating and additional information.   

About The Enchanted Closet:

The Enchanted Closet is a volunteer-run, private non-profit service organization whose mission is to physically, mentally, and emotionally outfit Metro Atlanta high school girls from low-income families through programs that prepare them for social and professional milestones.  Established in 2003 to distribute prom dresses to girls in metropolitan Atlanta, the Enchanted Closet also offers a GIRL$™ Service-Learning Program throughout the year to increase the self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency of girls.  For more information, visit the Enchanted Closet Web site at http://www.enchantedcloset.org.