Cinderella’s wardrobe turns dresses into dreams

LAKESIDE PARK, Ky. — Hundreds of high school girls in northern Kentucky found the perfect dress for prom this weekend through Cinderella’s Closet, a Lakeside nonprofit that gives away prom dresses to those in need.

Sierra Russell, a senior from Fleming County, spent her Saturday with her classmates choosing her dream prom dress.

Senior says this isn’t his first rodeo at Cinderella’s Closet. She was last year’s Cinderella’s Closet princess too, and has returned for one last hurray.

“This is the best place to find the perfect dress because there are so many colors and different designs,” says Russell.

Cinderella’s Wardrobe started in northern Kentucky, and now has several locations in various states.

Each year, junior and senior high school girls are referred to the program by school administrators, social care agencies or community organizations. The girls who get their gowns in Cinderella’s Closet are known as princesses.

Volunteers, also known as fairy godmothers, help the girls choose their dresses. Alexandra Mardis, a former princess, now volunteers as a fairy godmother.

She said she was one of the lucky princesses to choose a dress in 2007, the first year Cinderella’s Closet started turning dresses into dreams.

“It’s amazing to see it go from something so small but meaningful to something so big and impactful,” said Mardis.

Russell and the other girls were able to step out in matching dresses and sandals without the burden of breaking a sweat.

“That really helps and helps with other things like getting a manicure last year,” Russell shared. “But also, where I live there isn’t a very large clothes pool. Even looking for winter formal dresses, the dress pool is really small, so coming here really helps to find one that really makes you feel happy.”

Russell said another big part of the experience was having the day about himself. It was also part of the magic that got Mardis back to volunteer. She said that she loves seeing excited girls trying on dresses and feeling special.

“That part is my favorite part. Not just giving back- but making their day as special as we can,” said Mardis.

Because finding the right dress can be magical.

“It’s like you’ve found a dress that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale,” says Russell.

Cinderella’s Closet says they operate year-round and they always need volunteers at their location.

Learn more about wardrobes on them website.