Prom night is a rite of passage for many high school students, a magical evening that marks the culmination of their teenage years and the anticipation of new beginnings. But for some young women, the financial burden of attending such an event is a challenge they cannot overcome. That’s where Cinderella’s Closet steps in, transforming the dream of attending prom into a reality for girls who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
Cinderella’s Closet is not just about dresses; it’s about dignity, respect, and love. The organization was founded in 2006 by Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, Kentucky. Since then, it has expanded across the country, touching the lives of thousands of girls by providing them with formal attire and accessories to attend their prom. These young women, referred to as “princesses” by the volunteers, are given the opportunity to select from a wide range of donated new and gently used dresses, shoes, and accessories. More than just a shopping experience, it’s a day filled with kindness, hope, and empowerment.
A Heartfelt Mission Rooted in Love
The essence of Cinderella’s Closet goes beyond the material. At its core, the organization is driven by the belief that every young woman deserves to feel cherished and valued. While the dress is a beautiful gift, it’s the intangible impact—self-confidence, joy, and a sense of worth—that lasts far beyond prom night.
When these young women enter the doors of Cinderella’s Closet, they are greeted with an atmosphere of warmth, grace, and compassion. Each participant is treated with respect and is given individual attention. Volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years, assist the girls in selecting the perfect dress while also building their confidence and making them feel special.
One volunteer recounted the moment a shy young girl came in, nervous and hesitant about finding a dress. With the help of the volunteer team, she found the perfect gown that made her eyes light up. “She twirled around and couldn’t stop smiling. It wasn’t just about the dress—it was like she saw herself in a new way for the first time. That’s what Cinderella’s Closet is about.”
How It All Began
The idea for Cinderella’s Closet came when Erin Peterson, a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church, heard about a girl who couldn’t afford a dress for prom. Peterson reached out to the community and asked for donations of formal dresses, hoping to find one that would make this girl’s night special. The response was overwhelming, and that single act of kindness blossomed into something much larger than anyone anticipated.
What began as a simple gesture in Northern Kentucky soon grew into a nationwide initiative, with various locations popping up across the country. Each Cinderella’s Closet operates independently but shares the same mission: to help young women in need by providing them with formalwear while showing them love, respect, and support.
Each location is open for one weekend every spring, during which girls who have been referred by their schools come to pick out their dresses. These referrals come from teachers, counselors, and social workers who recognize students who may not have the financial means to attend prom but deserve the chance to experience the event.
The Experience of a Lifetime
Walking into Cinderella’s Closet is a transformative experience. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation, but also with a deep sense of care and community. Volunteers act as personal shoppers, helping each girl select a dress that fits both her style and her personality. There are racks of gowns in various sizes, colors, and styles, as well as shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. But the most important accessory each girl leaves with is confidence.
Beyond the material gifts, Cinderella’s Closet creates an environment where young women feel seen and valued. Many of the volunteers share stories of how the experience has impacted them as much as it has the girls they serve.
“Seeing the girls come in shy and unsure of themselves, and then leave with their heads held high—it’s an indescribable feeling,” said one long-time volunteer. “You see them transform, not just physically but emotionally. It’s like they finally realize how beautiful they truly are.”
For many of these girls, Cinderella’s Closet is about more than just one night. It’s about being given the chance to feel special, to be celebrated, and to experience the kindness of strangers who believe in them. The organization’s mission of turning “dresses into dreams” truly comes to life in these moments.
A Community Effort
The success of Cinderella’s Closet would not be possible without the generosity of the community. The organization relies on donations of new and gently used dresses, shoes, and accessories, as well as financial contributions to cover the costs of running the events. Local businesses often get involved by donating services such as hair styling and makeup for the girls, further enhancing the magical experience.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Cinderella’s Closet, from those who help with sorting and organizing donations to the personal shoppers who work one-on-one with the girls. Each volunteer plays a crucial role in making the event a success. For many, it’s a rewarding way to give back to their community and make a tangible difference in the lives of young women.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” said a coordinator at one of the Cinderella’s Closet locations. “They give their time, their energy, and most importantly, their hearts. They’re the ones who make this experience so special for the girls.”
How You Can Help
Cinderella’s Closet continues to grow, with new locations opening each year. The organization is always looking for individuals and businesses to support its mission. There are several ways to get involved:
Donate Formalwear: Gently used prom dresses, shoes, and accessories are always in demand. Many girls wear their dresses only once, and Cinderella’s Closet provides the perfect way to give them a second life.
Volunteer: Whether you want to help sort donations, act as a personal shopper, or assist with the organization’s logistics, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. Your time and effort can help make a young woman’s dream come true.
Financial Contributions: Monetary donations are used to cover operating costs, such as venue rentals, promotional materials, and dry cleaning services for donated dresses.
Spread the Word: Even if you’re not able to donate or volunteer, simply spreading awareness about Cinderella’s Closet can make a difference. By telling others about the organization, you may help connect a deserving young woman with the opportunity to attend her prom.
A Lasting Impact
For the girls who walk through the doors of Cinderella’s Closet, it’s more than just a shopping experience. It’s a moment of empowerment and a reminder that they are valued and cherished. In a world that often emphasizes material wealth, Cinderella’s Closet stands as a testament to the power of generosity, love, and community support.
As Cinderella’s Closet continues to expand, its impact grows, offering hope and joy to countless young women. By transforming dresses into dreams, this organization is not only making prom night possible for many—it’s changing lives in the process.
