SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As prom season draws closer, the Sacramento Public Library is hosting a series of events where they are giving away free prom outfits.
Teens ages 13-19 can browse through a selection of new and gently used dresses, suit jackets, shoes and accessories at the events, which will be held at 15 branch locations around the Sacramento area throughout March and April.
The first event is March 7 at Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
Students can keep the clothes and accessories for the big night and do not need to return them to the library.
The goal is to make sure students look and feel their best, despite the costs.
"It's a great resource for teens who might not be in a financial situation or position to buy a prom dress, because prom is expensive," said Grace Keolanui, a Bella Vista High School senior who volunteers at her local library.
She is helping them get ready for the event.
"I've sorted through the clothes and it's just gently used formal wear, prom dresses and accessories, anything you can think of," Keolanui said.
The items were all donated by community members. Organizers said some still have the tags on.
Students of any school can attend the giveaways.
Sacramento Public Library Teen Services Specialist Amy Little said it all started in 2012 with a group of teens in the Antelope/North Highlands area who saw a need in their community.
"We found that there was such a need that it grew over the years," she said.
Last year, over 800 teens found outfits to take home at the events and organizers are expecting a large turnout this year as well.
"Prom can be very expensive and we know as a library, our mission is to help lower barriers to access for individuals including teens," Little said.
The success stories are numerous.
"This teen was using a wheelchair and so they were struggling to find something that worked for them and ended up finding the perfect dress with us, which I'm really excited about," Little said.
Prom Giveaway Events:
- March 7 3-5:45 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
- March 8 2-5 p.m. Elk Grove Library
- March 9 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Rio Linda Library
- March 14 2:20-5:30 p.m. Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library
- March 16 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Walnut Grove Library, Arden-Dimick Library
- March 16 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Arden-Dimick Library
- March 21 3:30-5:30 p.m. North Natomas Library
- March 23 12-4 p.m. Fair Oaks Library
- March 23 2-4 p.m. Sylvan Oaks Library
- March 30 1-3 p.m. Rancho Cordova Library
- March 30 1-5 p.m. Carmichael Library
- March 30 2-5 p.m. North Highlands-Antelope Library
- April 6 12-3 p.m. Colonial Heights Library
- April 13 12-4 p.m. Arcade Library
- April 13 2-5 p.m. Orangevale Library
For more information about the events, click here.
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