Non-profit that hands out free prom dresses comes back to Central Ohio after 3 years
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — After shutting down for a few years and almost closing for good, Fairy Goodmothers, a non-profit that hands out free prom dresses across Central Ohio, is back.
The group says all it took was a little magic, but still need volunteers.
"After three years off, it almost ended the entire organization,” Jenna Homan said, president of the nonprofit.
COVID and the need for volunteers almost took the enchantment away from the Fairy Goodmothers.
"People were tired. We hadn't been able to give out dresses. We didn't have the effort, the love that people have with interacting with students,” Homan said.
Homan says handing out free prom dresses means just as much to them as it does to the community. With a little fairy dust, the organization gathered just enough help to make a comeback.
"Back in March, we knew we had a shot of coming back when volunteers started to email us and say, are you going to be able to do it this year?” Homan said.
This year it has 2,500 prom dresses in a range of sizes and colors. Anyone is welcome.
"One thing is people think they have to demonstrate need, but we firmly believe everyone is saving for something at this point in time.”
Right now, inventory is in storage units. But, this year's "Cinderella's Closet Boutique" will be set up at the Shops of Worthington next month.
If you want a dress, all you have to do is sign up online or walk in. Homan says nothing beats the feeling, making others feel good about themselves.
"All the sudden, someone will try on that perfect dress, and it's magic. They stand up straighter, and they know that’s the dress.”
The boutique will be open in March at 7227 N High Street.
Sign up here. If you want a dress, these are the dates the shop will be open:
- Saturday, March 11th 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March 12th 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 18th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March, 19th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
