Devera Chandler, the Teen Services Supervisor for the Athens Regional Library System, poses in the Athens-Clarke County Library with dresses and shoes that have been donated for “Bling Your Prom,” an event to help teens who can’t afford general prom expenses. Chandler wants to help as many teens as possible have a good time at prom. “I didn’t have the best prom experiences when I was in high school, and I always thought if there had been somebody out there looking out for other kids when I was going, maybe it would be a better experience for more kids,” Chandler said. Photo by Everett Vereen
The Athens-Clarke County Library is collecting community donations of prom attire to ensure that teens have everything they need to have a good time.
Prom season can be one of the most exciting times of an upperclassman’s high school career, but it can also be one of the most stressful and expensive. Devera Chandler, the Teen Services Supervisor for the Athens Regional Library System, wants to fix that.
Chandler is hosting an event called “Bling Your Prom!” at the Athens-Clarke County Library on March 3. Teens in need of financial support will have the option to wear and take home used prom attire that has been donated by the community.
“From now until (Feb. 26), we are taking donations for prom and cocktail attire for both men and women, and accessories to go along with all of that,” Chandler said. “So shoes, belts, ties, jewelry, purses… all that kind of stuff.”
Chandler hopes that the event will give teens the opportunity to focus on saving money for the future, while still being able to have a good time.
“I know that many of our teens are financially strapped. They’re looking at going to college so they’re saving every penny that they can,” Chandler said. “Or they’re having family issues that are preventing them from spending the kind of money that it takes to go to prom.”
Social studies department teacher April Croft, a junior class sponsor, looks forward to the effects of the event.
“I think (Bling Your Prom is) a great idea. I do think that we need to reach out to kids that can’t necessarily afford certain items because I know that can be an embarrassing situation,” Croft said. “It’s going to have a very positive impact on kids.”
Chandler intends on making the event annual and hopes that students will help perpetuate the donation cycle.
“What I’m really hoping is that teens will learn that giving back to the community is important no matter what age you are,” Chandler said. “Those who are fortunate enough to have a nice outfit this year, hopefully, they’ll consider donating it for next year’s project, continuing to pay it forward.”
If you’d like to donate to the event, call Devera Chandler at (706) 613-3650, ext. 323. The library will accept anything from apparel and accessories to mirrors and coat racks.
