Portia Cantrell, left, at last year’s Silver Pride Prom. This year she’s helping young people get ready for their own proms. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
The Dallas Public Library has been helping young women get ready for the prom for six years through its Fairy Tale Closet.
Portia Cantrell, who coordinates Silver Pride Project that meets at the Grauwyler and Oak Lawn libraries, said for the first time this year, clothing will be available for all genders. And Silver Pride Project is recruiting Fairy Godparents from the LGBT community.
“We will be dressing young men and young women that dress more like me,” Cantrell said.
Anyone interested in donating gently used clothing that can be worn to prom, please contact Cantrell at Portia@silverprideproject.com
“We are looking for volunteers to help each young person pick out everything from the dress, to the shoes, and even accessories to complete their looks,” Cantrell said. “They will receive the clothing and accessories free of charge.”
The event where the students will choose their prom wear will be at the Erik Jonsson Library, 1515 Young St. on the seventh floor from 1-5 p.m. on March 10.
If you would like to assist with sorting of the prom wear in preparation for the young people to browse through, the following dates are set aside for sorting: Tuesday, Feb. 5, Saturday, Feb.9, Friday, Feb. 15, Thursday, Feb.21 and Saturday, Feb.23.
“If you would like to participate, please send me your contact information including a phone number via email at: Portia@silverprideproject.com,” Cantrell said. “Please include whether you would like to serve as a Fairy Godparent or would like to assist with sorting the clothing items.”
— David Taffet
