Popup shops look to aid area students with cost of prom
Submitted photo<br> Gowns hang in the Prom Shop at Juniata High School in Mifflintown, which is geared for students.
Submitted photo<br> Gowns hang in the Prom Shop at Juniata High School in Mifflintown, which is geared for students.
Submitted photo<br> Gowns hang in the Prom Shop at Juniata High School in Mifflintown, which is geared for students.
Submitted photo<br> Gowns hang in the Prom Shop at Juniata High School in Mifflintown, which is geared for students.
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With prom season right around the corner, the glamor and glitz of the night can get outrageously expensive very quickly. From the dress, shoes and hair and makeup to suits and flowers, a survey from the Harrisburg area suggested the average cost is $500 to $600.
That's a lot of bucks for a teenager to come up with for one special night. But there's no need to panic.
Prom-goers can still have the best prom at a more realistic price, but that starts with a budget. Be realistic and conscious of what is affordable and stick with it.
You might not know where to start, but there are also other people and organizations out there to help. The McClure First United Methodist Church, 10 W. Specht St., McClure, will hold a Prom Gown Giveaway for high school students from any school district from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and 10 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.
No appointment is needed.
Founder and organizer Dez Ewig said this is the seventh year for the event. "It keeps getting bigger and bigger each year we do it," she said.
Last year, more than 400 prom gowns were given away. While most of the students were from Mifflin County, Ewig said others came from Midd-West and as far away as State College and
Sunbury.
This year, they'll have plenty in stock with all different sizes and styles. Donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off at any time during the event.
For more information, text or call Ewig at (717) 953-5573.
In Mifflintown, the Juniata High School Student Council is preparing to open its annual Prom Shop. Currently, they are accepting donations for prom dresses and formalwear for both girls and boys.
"We have a good selection of dresses size 0-22," said Juniata High School Student Council Advisor Angela Walters. "We also have a small supply of men's shirts, jackets and slacks.
"Anyone cleaning out closets who wants to make a donation of gently used formal wear items can contact an advisor to arrange drop off or can drop items at the Juniata High School office during office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," she added.
The prom shop is open during school hours for Juniata High School students that are attending any prom, either at Juniata or another school. Students in school can make arrangements with any student council advisor to visit the shop.
The prom shop will be open to any Juniata County student, including East Juniata, Juniata Christian or any homeschool students, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, and 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.
To donate any items, please contact Walters at awalters@jcsdk12.org, Riley Shertzer at rileyshertzer@jcsdk12.org, Angie Bryner at anbryner@jcsdk12.org or Bethann Alleman at balleman@jcsdk12.org to schedule a drop-off.
"This is an amazing opportunity to shop for prom at no cost," Walters added.