How to help provide prom dresses for girls in Azusa

Ah, my sister’s closet. I have five sisters, so you can imagine the teenage joy I derived from the treasures contained in their wardrobes.

Of course, there were many arguments when a favorite jacket went missing or a sweater got stained, but it was wonderful to know my sisters, like their clothes, were only just an arm’s length away.

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My Sister’s Closet in Azusa is a community project that gives gently used, special occasion dresses to local girls in the San Gabriel Valley. Organizers include the Azusa Unified School District, Azusa Pacific University, the Assistance Outreach League of Covina and the Azusa/Glendora Soroptimists service club.

The idea is to lighten the financial stress that comes from high school prom by providing dresses and accessories for free.

Silvana Cavazos, program coordinator for the Azusa Unified School District Family Resource Center, started the program to help girls participate in all the activities that make their high school experience fun without worrying about how they would pay for a dress.

“I was lucky to have four sisters to share clothes,” she said. “My family, like many, was struggling to make ends meet without the extras like prom. I realized that I had special occasion clothing that could be put to good use. My hope is that girls will come to this event and not only take a dress but also that they will feel good about the experience and encourage their friends to do the same.”

Girls get to “shop” for prom accoutrements starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at Azusa Pacific University. Girls have to register to attend.

Items needed include special occasion dresses, jewelry, shoes, wraps, new makeup, hair accessories and evening bags. Donations can be dropped off at the Azusa Unified School District Family Resource Center, 546 S. Citrus Ave., corner Gladstone Avenue in Azusa and Azusa Pacific University, School of Behavioral and Applied Science, 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa.

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