Prom wear still available for area high school students

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Still kicking over where to find a prom outfit on a limited budget? Worry no longer – different entities in Cherokee County have got the goods you need!

 “Project Sparkle,” a free event held in mid-March for high school girls from Rusk, Alto and Jacksonville, has a variety of outfits still available, according to organizers.

Generous donors provided a “fantastic” selection of approximately 120 dresses, said Rhonda Brown, director Annie’s Closet, which co-sponsored the event with Rusk ISD’s Parent & Family Engagement Office. 

“We gave out 12-14 dresses, so we still have a number available for young ladies who’d like to meet up and try on prom dresses and shoes,” she said, noting that jewelry also is still available to accessorize with their outfits. 

These outfits – prom dresses and semi-formal outfits – are located at The Ambition Studio, 12977 U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk. For more information or to arrange an outfit try-on, contact Brown at 903-806-6751, or Parent & Family Engagement coordinator Laeil Pepin,  903-481-9089.

In Jacksonville, The Clothes Closet & More, at 314 S. Main St., has collected gently used prom and formal wear from donors – for male and female clients – for about 16 years, offering outfits free of charge.

“This year, we’ve given away 60 or more, and we have plenty left to share, including some items for young men,” said Clothes Closet director Mickey Gear.

Families from throughout the county can call ahead to make an appointment or just walk in and “shop” for an outfit, Gear said.

The Clothes Closet is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and can be contacted during business hours at 90-586-0204.

First Methodist Church in Troup will host a March 22 “Cinderella Project,” or pop-up prom dress boutique, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at the 202 E. Duval St. church.

High school girls from Troup, Arp and Whitehouse are welcome to browse the selection of free outfits, and take home their selection, according to sponsors from the church’s Proverb Women’s Bible Study.

Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary. To learn more, contact the church at 903-842-3320.