The Glass Slipper Project

I’ve been donating my bridesmaid dresses to Glass Slipper for the past few years. It’s a great way to have someone reuse those dresses you only wore once and know you won’t wear again. When I first started donating you had to go drop the dresses off in La Grange or mail them. Now they’ve partnered with USAgain and you can just drop the dresses off in one of their donation boxes. Just make sure the box/​bag is marked «prom» and drop it off. USAgain boxes are everywhere so it’s so simple!

I love volunteering for this organization! As a parent and aunt I know that prom can get pretty pricey! The Glass Slipper allows young ladies to have their own Cinderella moment! There is nothing like seeing them say yes to dress! I never could have imagined feeling so good about being a personal shopper and just being there in general. I am thankful for the founders because I know that for some, prom will be the only occasion to get dolled up and have a formal experience. If you have connections in the cosmetic or clothing industry or can offer help in any fashion, please consider doing so. This is a huge esteem builder for these young ladies and the organization can always use donations of shoes, purses, cosmetics, etc.

I have volunteered for Glass Slipper Project during setup and as a personal shopper. I must say the most rewarding experience for me was in 2010 when I was a personal shopper. At the time I wanted to pursue being a fashion stylist, so I thought this would be a fun way to try my hand. I helped a girl pick out complete prom attire from head to toe: a beautiful pink ball gown dress, gloves, shoes, bag and makeup. What made this so touching is that she was hesitant to go to prom because her boyfriend was killed and she was very sad. I kept her in upbeat spirits the whole time she was with me and made her laugh along the way! She had such a fun time and I was so glad to hear her say that I made her day. That is what I remember most and I enjoy helping others feel good. That’s what Glass Slipper Project did for me.

Ladies, only a few more days to clean out your closets… and for this year’s Cinderellas, here are the 2011 dates and location:
Dates: April 2, 9 and 16
Time: 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Place: McCorkle School 4421 South State St.
**ONLY THE FIRST 500 GIRLS EACH DAY CAN BE ACCOMODATED
**BRING YOUR SCHOOL ID
**You have to come yourself to shop (but mom or a friend can help – please leave all children/​siblings at home though!)
**Also special thanks to CITY CHURCH for coming to help the CRANE H.S. girls look so gorgeous last year – they really loved the hair and makeup party – SO EXCITED to have you back again this year!

I volunteer here as a «personal shopper» every year and this organization really has its act together. The «Cinderellas» get there as early as 4 AM and sleep outside to get first crack at the dresses. I highly recommend lending your support any way you can.

This is truly a worthwhile cause and it solves many women’s problem of what to do with the old formal and bridesmaid dresses.
This past weekend, I volunteered on one of their «boutique days» when high school girls get to choose their prom outfits for free. This organization runs three «boutique days» in April/​May each year, just before prom season begins. The girls each receive a dress, shoes, purse, jewelry and makeup, which make the entire outfit. Each gets to walk around roomful of organized dresses, choose what they like, try them on until they find the perfect dress. And if the dress needs alterations, it’s provided onsite too.
Your worn once bridesmaid dress can truly give someone else a great prom night. I saw several girls go home with typical David’ Bridal long satin gowns. They will all look beautiful on their prom night!
You can also donate evening shoes, purses, sparkly jewelry, unused makeup (they need lots of lip gloss and eye liner). Go, go clean out your closet for a great cause!

The Glass Slipper Project is a great way to get rid of the old formal and bridesmaid dresses just sitting in your closet, as well as give back to the community. I’ve donated formal dresses that I no longer wear to this organization and they give it to Chicago high school students who can’t afford to buy a Prom dress. I have so many dresses that are in perfect condition that are sitting in my closet that I’m simply just sick of them so it’s great to know there is someone out there who will really appreciate it. If you don’t have any dresses to donate, but still want to be part of the organization check out their web site for volunteer information.