Waldo County ‘Cinderella Program’ Helps Maine Girls Find Free Prom Gowns

Prom season is here, and high school students across the state are searching for that perfect "fit" for the big dance.

I remember prom being expensive when I was in high school over 20 years ago. You have the tickets, the tux, the gown, the corsages, the hair, the shoes, and accessories the dinner and maybe even a limo ride to think about.

Knowing that things tend to get more, not less expensive over time, usually, and the state of most folks' wallets these days are leaner rather than fatter, sometimes families have to make hard decisions.

But one organization in Belfast has been working, for almost 2 decades, to make sure that Maine High School kids don't have to forego their prom gowns, and that everyone can get to this year's festivities looking like an icon.

The Cinderella Project started with a simple premise; take donated formal wear and give it to girls who could not otherwise afford a prom gown. That first year, dresses were kept in a back room somewhere at the Belfast High School.

It's safe to say the Cinderella Project has grown quite a bit and now has its own giveaway event in an actual storefront in Searsport.

This year's Prom Dress Giveaway is taking place Saturday, April 12th at The Mermaid Plaza, at 1 East Main Street in Searsport. And it's by appointment.

Students interested in coming by to check out the gowns just need to make reservations by clicking here.

Coordinator Kristie Hamlin says the appointments will run from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, but they will accept walk-ins from 12 PM to 530 PM.

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Waldo Community Action Partners (CAP) puts this program on every year. It's open to any Maine High School Student.

Throughout the year, volunteers take donated outfits, spiff them up a bit, organize, and put the gowns out on display.

"After many requests last year, we have added something new this year. Cinderella Merch. We have tote bags and t-shirts for $20. All proceeds go to continuing the mission of Cinderella Project of Maine, getting prom dresses to high school students in Maine at no cost."

The response to this long-time program is always positive, from the students and their parents.

Like this parent, who shared their gratitude in the comments section on social media.

"Thank you so much for making my daughter's dream come true!!! I will send a picture of her on prom night if you let me know where to send it. Thank you again and all of those beautiful young ladies & smiles!!"

Hamlin says they are always happy to take donations after prom season is done.

If you have dresses to donate, you can drop them off at the DAYS Jewelers in Belfast or at the Waldo CAP office on Field Sreet.

"We distribute them to the Presque Isle site and Gardiner site.   Plus we have around 1300 dresses here.

She says last year she had over 800 dresses donated. This year, close to 600.