SANFORD — There were red prom dresses and black ones, green ones and blue. There were above-the-knee styles, and gowns that touched the floor, strapless and not.

The prom dress giveaway – along with gold and silver dress pumps or sandals and an array of sparkly jewelry – is part of the clothing closet at Sanford Regional High School and Regional Technical Center. The closet is open to anyone at the school – students, teachers or staff. Organizer Melinda Williams said those at school who need a jacket or jeans or other clothing items are welcome to stop by.

The prom dresses,  however, about 100 in all, in sizes 2 to 24, were featured in a special showing  on Thursday. They’ll be rolled out again in April for students who are still looking for that perfect dress for that special evening.

With Sanford’s prom approaching on May 10, several juniors and seniors came by this week to see what was available.

Senior McKenna Coombs found the right one right away, the first one she tried on, and moved to the jewelry counter to check out the bling, quickly finding a pair of silvery earrings.

The prom dress giveaway grew out of the clothing closet project about eight years ago, Williams said.

“It helps reduce prom costs for families, “ she said.

Those costs can mount. And if the prom goer is a senior, between that event and graduation, the costs can be hefty.

According to the Cinderella Project of Maine, a prom dress giveaway program in Belfast and Gardiner, new prom dresses, shoes, and accessories can quickly add up to $400 or $500.

Williams, an education  technician in the resource room, said all of the prom gowns are donated, by former students, their parents, staff, and others. Some of the gowns are brand new and still sporting tags, and were  donated by shops and bridal salons.

Vicki Payeur, also an education technician at the school, said she’s worked with Williams for many years and decided to help.

“It’s fun,” she said as she arranged earrings and rings on a counter.

On Thursday, Savannah Day was eyeing a long, blue and silver number while Jordan Guilmette was checking out a burgundy gown.

“I’m looking for a long dress,” said Harrielle Bernard, as she sorted through the racks. Annibelle Reeves said she preferred a long gown as well.

There were several try-ons in the fitting room, and some were returned to the racks.
The search for the perfect gown continued.

Those who wanted a dress but couldn’t find the right one or didn’t get a chance to look on Thursday will have another opportunity.

The dress racks will be pulled out again on the second floor of Sanford High School around 2:30 p.m. on April 11 and try-ons will be available until 4 p.m. that day.

Williams said the quest for gowns usually begins in December; other clean clothing in good repair is always welcome at the clothing closet.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.