'Everybody deserves to feel pretty for one night': The Gleason YMCA's sew good prom dress drive

Getting dolled up in glitzy dresses and spending the night dancing away at prom with friends is something most high school students dream of. 

That's what Special Events Coordinator Cathy Longfield for the Gleason Family YMCA is aiming to make sure can happen for everyone, regardless of income. Longfield is organizing a prom dress donation drive of all ages, sizes and lengths for those in need.

Dresses from those like 2020 graduates who didn't get to celebrate prom due to the Covid-19 pandemic may not be getting worn and could be repurposed. Longfield said that although she is asking for dresses from the last ten years, with ever-changing fashion trends older dresses aren't off the table.

"How many people didn't go to prom that have a lovely dress sitting in the closet?" Longfield said. 

As a mother to teen girls, an avid thrifter and lover of giving back to the community, Longfield said she knows the importance of prom to high schoolers. Teaming up with Walt's Consignments in New Bedford, she has hopes to provide at least 20 girls with gowns for the big day. 

"I called the local high schools guidance counselors and said what I'd like to do," she said.

Wareham, Old Rochester Regional, Fairhaven and Bourne high schools will be choosing five students who are in need of assistance for prom season. The students will come to a try-on day Saturday, March 14 to choose from donated dresses. 

"Everybody deserves to feel pretty for one night," she said. "You have fun and have your photos and you get to feel pretty— like you're part of the school."

Longfield hopes to get more than just dresses and gowns, sending out feelers across the community for hairdressers, nail techs and seamstresses who are willing to donate their time for local students. Prom accessories such as shoes, jewelry, handbags and wraps will also be accepted. 

"I just don't want someone to miss out because it was the dress that was the one thing," she said. "If they can come up with the ticket money, great. But the dress— the shoes -- it gets expensive." 

Donations may be dropped off before Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Gleason Family YMCA at 33 Charge Pond Rd or at Walt’s Consignment Shop at the Kilburn Mill in New Bedford. Those chosen by the surrounding schools will be able to bring one person with them on the day of the try-on event. 

"Whatever is going on in their life, if there's conflict in their families or they're couch surfing, they deserve to feel like a princess," she said.