CLEARFIELD – Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA) has announced the 10th year of The Prom Closet.
The mission of the program is to assist area high school students in getting prom attire if they are not financially able to do so. Purchasing a prom gown or renting a tuxedo can be expensive, and families who are already living paycheck-to-paycheck or on a limited income often cannot afford these additional costs.
Over the past 10 prom seasons, The Prom Closet has assisted 773 area students with prom dresses, accessories, jewelry, shoes and tuxedo rentals. The Prom Closet will again assist the young men who are attending the prom.
Through fundraising efforts and donations, vouchers to receive $50 off a tuxedo rental will be given to young men who would not have been able to afford the cost of a tuxedo rental. This will not cover the entire cost of the rental, but The Prom Closet organizers are hoping that it will at least assist parents facing financial difficulties. There is a limited number of vouchers and they will be given on a first-come first-serve basis.
The Prom Closet will again be located at the Presbyterian Church of Clearfield, 119 N. Second St., which is across from the Clearfield Post Office. Filled with beautifully prepared gowns and accessories for each girl’s preference, The Prom Closet will be open every Thursday for six weeks starting March 20 and ending April 24. It will be open from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. by appointment. Also, every Saturday for six weeks will be available for shopping starting on March 22and ending April 26 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. by appointment.
The Prom Closet is in need of donations of gowns, tuxedos, shoes, rhinestone or costume jewelry and accessories.  Dress drives are appreciated by local schools and businesses to assist with updating the closets inventory of dresses and accessories. Donated dresses are received at CPCA or Chubby’s One Hour Cleaners in Clearfield and at Philipsburg County Market. If you donate your dress at Chubby’s One Hour Cleaner, a discount card will be given for your next dry cleaning item.
Financial donations are also being sought to help with the operational costs of this program. Donations are being accepted at CPCA, 207 E. Cherry St., Clearfield. If you or your business would be interested in becoming a community partner, please contact Melissa Henry at the CPCA office.
All area students planning to attend their high school prom in need of this service should visit the Prom Closet on one of the operating days or contact Melissa at CPCA by telephone at 814- 765-1551 or 800-822-2610, Ext. 1117 or by email mhenry@cpcaa.net. Â The Prom Closet will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Appointments are encouraged and may be scheduled by calling the CPCA.
