T.J.Maxx is celebrating the grand opening of its new store at Wareham Crossing this Thursday by presenting $5,000 to WomenAde of Wareham (W.O.W).

WomenAde is a community-aid organization that provides money and assistance to address needs that other charities cannot. From buying expensive medicine for a dying cancer patient who was abruptly cancelled by her insurance company to paying user fees for high school athletes, W.O.W. fills the gaps.

"The whole purpose is to help meet the needs of the community," said Marcine Fernandes, who founded and now co-chairs the organization.  "If somebody's sick and lost their jobs, if they've fallen behind on rent, we try to help."

W.O.W. was chosen by TJMaxx to be honored in part because of their wildly successful Prom Dress Drive last spring.

Over 500 dresses were collected at the Old Company Store in Wareham and then sent to the W.O.W. Cinderella's Prom Closet. Located at Wareham High School, area young ladies can visit the closet to borrow the perfect gown and accessories free of charge.

Because of W.O.W.'S efforts to help area young ladies afford to attend the prom, the Standard Times named W.O.W., the 2009 Women of the Year. TJMaxx's new store manager, Mary Anne Piro was a large part of the prom dress drive success. Mary Anne brought dress racks, lots of beautiful accessories and several employees to help at the prom dress party.