Community Action continues prom dress giveaway

150 dresses and counting have been given out last 3 years

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Ayesha Way, a senior at Albion High School, checks out a dress which caught her eye at the Main Street store on Wednesday evening. (Right) Melody Snook from Holley High School models the gown she chose for her prom.

ALBION – Dozens of seniors in area schools will attend their proms this spring, decked out with beautiful gowns, stunning accessories and flattering makeup, thanks to Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store.

This is the third year store manager Cassie Healy has promoted a prom giveaway, in which donated prom dresses, accessories, makeup and hair products are given free to high school seniors in Orleans County and Batavia.

Kristalyn Taylor, a 16-year-old senior at Albion High School, picks out hair accessories and makeup for her prom.

Healy and her volunteers have already taken dresses to Niagara-Orleans BOCES, the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, Lyndonville High School and Holley High School. Upcoming events are scheduled Friday in Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High School.

Last year Healy said they provided free prom attire for 52 girls. This year they have already given out 68 gowns, and that doesn’t count the number of gowns chosen Wednesday evening at the Main Street store or the giveaways scheduled  Friday at Albion High School and Tuesday at Medina High Schools.

Healy said the community has been very generous with their donations, and prom dresses are being donated all year. A section at the back of the store has been curtained off with tables full of makeup, jewelry and accessories, a backdrop for taking pictures and a changing room.

Also on site Wednesday night was Valerie Webb of Le Roy, a teacher at Holley, who volunteered to do on-the-spot alterations when needed.

Senior Ayesha Way from Albion High School was delighted with the opportunity to get a prom dress.

“Some prom dresses go for $400 or more, and not everybody can afford that,” she said.

Melody Snook, 16, a senior at Holley, shopped with her mom, who approved the dress she chose.

“I thought this was a wonderful opportunity for the girls,” said her mother Colleen Wiest. “I’ve seen nothing but happy faces coming and going. We had been shopping in the stores for a dress but couldn’t find her size.”

Healy said the dresses on her racks ranged from size 0 to 24, in all colors and styles.

Many of the girls also found shoes in their size to match their dress.

Store associate Anna Geldard helped girls to choose makeup, fake eyelashes and jewelry to complement their gowns.

“We have a very wide array of things to choose from, and girls are obviously very appreciative,” Geldard said. “I still have the pictures from my prom five or six years ago and I remember what a special day it was. Being able to be part of helping someone else get ready for their prom is very special.”