Salvation Army helps students dress to impress at school prom
published on 19 Jun 2024
The Salvation Army in Sheringham has joined forces with the town’s high school to to help students have a Prom to remember.
Excitement is growing with the end of year dance fast approaching but this relatively recent import from the USA is proving to be a financial challenge for many families. Claire Taylor, the deputy manager at the Sheringham Salvation Army Charity Shop, came up with an environmentally friendly creative solution.
She began putting aside suitable items of clothing for the prom from public donations earlier this year before partnering with Sheringham High School to host a Vintage & Preloved Prom Night clothes sale.
Held in the school hall in the early evening, the event featured outfits and accessories all priced under £30 with around 50 students on hand to grab a bargain for the ball.
Claire said: “We wanted to ensure students had access to affordable outfits and accessories. We helped reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families while promoting our ‘Care for Creation’ values.”
Dawn Hollidge, Senior Deputy Headteacher at Sheringham High School, shared her enthusiasm and said its hoped the sale could become an annual event.
She said: “Our students thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were excited to try on the outfits. Both students and parents were amazed at the quality and prices of the outfits! During a cost-of-living crisis, being able to find a beautiful prom dress or a full suit for under £30 makes a huge difference. Our environmentally conscious students were also thrilled to stay 'green' while looking gorgeous.”
Simon Fenn, community manager at Sheringham Salvation Army, praised Claire and all the volunteers at the shop.
He said: “Their efforts raised around £500 to support our work in the local community, promoted an eco-friendly ethos, and strengthen our relationship with the school for future opportunities.”
The school prom takes place this Friday, June 21.
The Salvation Army charity shop at 22, Church Street, Sheringham is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
For more details on The Salvation Army in Sheringham, go to https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/sheringham
