Two fairy godmothers are helping teenage girls get to the prom by offering them free gowns through their organization, Cinderella's Closet.
Sisters Melissa Tureaud and Jennifer McCaig started the organization in 2008, inspired by an organization they read about in Cosmopolitan magazine that collected previously worn prom gowns to give to girls in need.
"We know that our parents had a hard time spending money on a prom dress," Tureaud said.
Since Cinderella's Closet started, the sisters have collected about 1,500 dresses and helped at least 200 girls each year.
The organization now also attracts girls who prefer to use a recycled gown instead of purchasing a new one.
"There's a lot of girls out there who can afford dresses but they like the idea of what we stand for," Tureaud said.
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This year, girls can pick out dresses on four different days, starting Sunday.
Cinderella's Closet is housed in an office above Tureaud's east-side insurance agency. Girls can sift through more than 500 dresses hanging from five dress racks to snag the perfect one for the big dance.
This is the first year the organization has a permanent location.
Previously, the sisters used space provided by the YWCA, an organization that helped Cinderella's Closet in its early years.
The sisters prefer that girls register for a date online, but they are also welcome to drop in, Tureaud said.
Already about 150 girls have signed up to pick out a gown this year.
IF YOU GO
• What: Cinderella's Closet
• Where: 7485 E. Broadway
• When: Noon to 4 p.m. March 24, April 6-7 and 13.
• To register, donate or learn more, visit: www.cinderellasclosettucson.com
Contact reporter Veronica Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4224.
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