Donations are needed for Cinderella's Closet

Remember prom? Whether or not thoughts of gowns, cummerbunds and corsages conjure up fond memories from your high school days, it's hardly debatable that prom is much more than just another dance.

For most young girls, it's a rite of passage. Yet, for many, the intense peer pressure and significant costs associated with prom have made it financially prohibitive.

For the past three years, a group of women from the Western suburbs has dedicated itself to making prom not only a possibility but a dream come true for financially challenged young women throughout Chicago area.

This spring, the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties will once again host its annual Cinderella's Closet, a formalwear boutique where high school juniors and seniors can "shop" for dresses, jewelry, shoes and purses. Many items are brand new and everything is free.

"Every girl deserves to feel like a princess at her prom, and that is what Cinderella's Closet is all about," said league president Mandie Cummins.

"Our goal is to provide every girl who comes in with a wonderful, unforgettable experience and to send them home with everything they need to feel like a true princess on prom night."

To build up inventory for this year's event, the JLKD will hold dress and accessory drives throughout Kane and DuPage counties.

Items being sought include prom-style dresses of all sizes -- especially newer, updated styles; jewelry/accessories; shoes; purses; hair accessories; and new make-up only.

All donations are tax deductible and items can be dropped off Monday to Feb. 9 at any of the following locations:

• Aurora: First Centennial Mortgage, 11 N. Edgelawn Ave., and Vaughn Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail Drive.

• East Dundee: Dundee Township Public Library, 555 Barrington Ave.

• Elburn: Bright Cleaners, 107 Valley Drive, Unit C; and Elburn Town & Country Library, 320 E. North St.

• Geneva: Baird & Warner, 962 Randall Road; Gibby's Wine Den, 1772 S. Randall Road, Suite 220; Mario Tricoci, 1749 Randall Road; Mill Creek Cleaners, 39W250 Herrington, Suite G-1; Realty Executives, 302 E. State St.; and Simply Nails Spa, 1772 Randall Road, Suite 250.

• Naperville: Baubles by Maclyn, 32 W. Chicago St.; Fry YMCA, 2120 W. 95th St.; Fry YMCA Field House, 31W290 Schoger Drive.

• Plainfield: Baubles by Maclyn, 605 W. Chicago St.

• St. Charles: Grimm's Hallmark East at East Main Street Commons, 3543 E. Main St.; Grimm's Hallmark West - Valley Shopping Center, 1601 W. Main St.

• Wheaton: DuPage County Bar Association, 126 S. County Farm Road; and Mirabella & Kincaid, 1776 S. Naperville Road, Building A, Suite 103.

JLKD also is seeking volunteers with specialized skills, such as seamstresses and beauticians, to donate their services on the day of the event, which will be April 19 at Prisco Community Center in Aurora.

Additionally, area businesses involved with prom-related products and services, like beauty salons and limousine services, are encouraged to donate prizes for raffle drawings that will be held throughout the event.

"It is only with the support of our caring local businesses and individuals within our communities that we have been able to make a difference in the lives of so many young women through Cinderella's Closet," Cummins stated.

For details about Cinderella's Closet, visit www.jlkd.org. If you are interested in hosting a dress drive, making a donation or volunteering for the 2008 event, call (630) 326-9287.

The Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children at risk in our community.