Not every Cinderella out there has a magical fairy godmother who’s able to conjure up a stunning gown and glass slippers that allow her to attend the ball.
What they do have is the Oxford Public Library.
The library, located at 530 Pontiac Road, has once again joined forces with Hope Closet to enable young ladies of limited means to attend their high school proms in style.
‘Going to dances is a very all-American thing to do, especially prom,? said Sian Marshall, head of teen services at the library. ‘Everybody deserves a chance to go. Everybody wants to fit in.?
From now through the end of March, the library is serving as a collection site for Hope Closet.
Folks are encouraged to drop off formal dresses along with accessories such as shoes, purses, wraps and jewelry. Items must be either new or gently used and clean.
The Hope Closet website stated there is an ‘especially dire? need for plus-sized dresses, 14W and larger.
Hope Closet’s mission is to provide young ladies with the dress of their choice, regardless of financial constraints or limitations, so they’re able to attend high school dances.
Hope Closet operates a special boutique for one week every April. Girls browse the selection of donated items with a personal shopper who helps them pick out the perfect dress, plus one accessory.
Girls must provide proof they’re currently enrolled in high school and be physically present at the boutique. Parents cannot be sent to do the shopping for them.
In a high school girl’s life, prom is the one social event that is probably more memorable and magical than any other.
It can also be the most insanely expensive night out, putting it out of reach for many low-income students.
But thanks to Hope Closet more than 4,000 young ladies from the greater Detroit area were able to attend prom between 2003 and 2010.
Marshall views Hope Closet as a way to put previously-worn dresses ‘that would otherwise just be hanging in your closet? to ‘good use.?
‘It might give somebody else a good memory down the road,? she said.
So far, the library’s collected nine dresses, plus some shoes, purses and jewelry, or ‘some bling,? as Marshall put it.
Right now, the favorite among library staffers is a fuchsia frock with a black belt around the waist.
‘We all love that one,? Marshall said.
For more information about donating, please visit www.hopecloset.com or call the library at (248) 628-3034 and ask for Marshall.