[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s Hays High students gear up for prom May 6, students and parents may be taken aback at the costs associated with the event.
In some cases, the bill for a dress, shoes and beauty expenses can equal up to $1,000.
With the help of “Cinderella’s Closet,” a non-profit organization run within Lehman High, Hays CISD students have the chance to check out gently used donated formal wear for free for events.
Lourdes Queen, a Spanish teacher at Lehman High and Cinderella’s Closet faculty sponsor, said the nonprofit began several years ago as the brain child of Rosa Munoz, who wanted a way for all students to go to prom without having to stress over the price tag.
Queen said the Spanish Honor Society acquired the organization four years ago and has served many Hays and Lehman High students. They help the students, boys and girls, and obtain formal wear for events such as homecoming dances, military balls and prom.
Queen said interested students visit Cinderella’s Closet and fill out a short application in order to check out a dress, or tuxedo, or suit. Students can also check out shoes or jewelry they want to wear.
On average, 30 girls will go to Cinderella’s Closet before prom, Queen said.
“It’s a very small space right now, “ Queen said. “But we would like to expand someday.”
Berenice Udave, Kami Hernandez and Gaby Arvizu, Lehman High sophomores and members of the Spanish Honor Society, said they understood the need for Cinderella’s Closet.
Part of that was based on the experiences of their siblings who have spent large amounts of money for prom.
“My sister just went to our (Lehman High) prom and she spent a lot more on everything than she expected,” Arvizu said.
But for the three, the need for the organization goes beyond just offering formal wear. All three agreed that every student should be able to participate in events such as prom without worrying about how much it could cost them or their families.
Queen said the organization was still in the process of recovering as dresses and accessories were damaged due to flooding two years ago.
“We’re always accepting donations,” Queen said, “People can donate nice formal wear to the Lehman High School Office and they will get it to me.”
Queen said the Closet is free of charge to any student wishing to use it. The organization covers the cost of cleaning the attire after each rental as well as the cost of repairs if they are not too big.
“If a dress or suit is unable to be checked out and worn we will donate them to the Salvation Army,” Queen said.
