'Cinderella's Closet' Helps Teens Find Perfect Prom Dress

HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- It may be February, but before you know it, prom season will be here. In Harford County, a group of ladies is working hard to make sure young women will be able to get just the right dress.

Ron Matz has more on what's behind the doors of Cinderella's Closet.

A prom gown can be expensive. That's where Cinderella's Closet comes in--providing free prom dresses to high school girls in Harford County. It's a project of the Aberdeen Lioness Lion Club.

"First, we go through the Harford County Public Schools system," said Sandy Pierce.

Pierce says the giveaway is in its fourth year.

"This started four years ago. It was a Girl Scout Gold Awards project. Three Girl Scouts who were seniors in high school collected dresses and gave them away to girls who couldn't afford to go to the prom. They asked us to help them and we continued it ever since," Pierce said. "We just ask the girls to bring their high school ID card. They sign in; we have door prizes. Right now, we probably have about 700 gowns to give away. Stella's in Highlandtown just gave us about 100 gowns and they're absolutely gorgeous."

Club members say it's a great way to give back to the community. Donations of gowns are still being accepted.

"We do many civic projects throughout the year and this is my very favorite. I know prom is an important time for these girls and there are so many girls who can't go to prom because they can't afford a gown," said Leslie Ziegler. "Collecting these gowns and seeing the smiles on the moms' faces and the girls' faces when we give these gowns out for free...it's just a wonderful feeling."

More than 700 prom gowns will be given away, all donated by local businesses and individuals.

"It is incredibly rewarding. A lot of moms come; we've even had some dads come with their daughters. You can tell how much they appreciate what we do. Especially in this economy, they just can't budget for a gown," Pierce said.

The prom dress giveaways are scheduled for March 8 and March 22 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Aberdeen.

Other Local News: