By CATHY DYSON
For the fourth year, a group of women called the Fairy Godmothers are gathering dresses and accessories for girls to wear to proms or other formal school dances.
The only thing needed is for more young women to come get the free items, said Tracey Watkins, one of the godmothers.
For the past three years, girls from Fredericksburg and surrounding counties have shown up for the dress giveaway. This year's Princess Closet will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 at the Riverside Center in Stafford County.
The godmothers will collect gowns, shoes and accessories at two sites today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sites are the old Shoppers Warehouse parking lot in Fredericksburg's Central Park and the State Route 610 commuter lot in Garrisonville.
The godmothers continue to enjoy significant community support, including use of the Riverside Center, clothing racks from Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, pizza for the young ladies from Domino's and discount dry cleaning and makeup tips from Mary Kay consultants.
"We are so fortunate," Watkins said. "This year, we really want to get the word out for more shoppers."
More information is available on the group's Facebook page or by emailing
Email: vapcloset@gmail.com
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
The Princess Closet accepts formal dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories, wraps and purses. Dresses must be prom dresses, formal gowns or fancy party dresses from 2007 to present.
Accessories and shoes must be stylish, clean and in excellent condition. The closet cannot accept garments purchased before 2007, used makeup, casual or semi-formal clothing, wedding dresses, tuxedos