Fort Worth group offers fancy frocks to defray prom expenses

The fairy godmothers of Tarrant County graduating high school seniors are at it again.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Fort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Clubs will give away prom dresses for the fifth time.

“This year, we’re really making an effort to not only to give them dresses but shoes and all of the accessories,’’ said Sandra Russell, project coordinator for the group. “We have even extended it to hairpieces and other accessories to try to make their day complete.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the club’s home at 1051 Evans Ave.

Participants need to show only a student ID to be eligible to receive a free prom dress, shoes and accessories, Russell said. No income or financial information is required.

“Even if these girls come from middle-class families, by the time they pay for cap, gown pictures and prom ticket and all that, it’s going to get expensive,’’ Russell said.

“It’s important to us that we help provide the financial assistance with the dress and their whole look, because you always remember your prom.”

Each participant will have “her own personal shopper” to assist her in picking out a dress, matching shoes and accessories, Russell said.

Participants who are looking for Easter dresses are also welcome to try on dresses, she said.

The dresses are gently worn or new.

In recent years, the organization also has provided about 160 dresses with accessories to a girls’ school in Sierra Leone in West Africa.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 7:32 PM with the headline "Fort Worth group offers fancy frocks to defray prom expenses."