A local fairy godmother is creating gorgeous dresses that are free to make more local teenagers able to fulfill their graduation dreams. Slocum resident Hannah Kessel is collecting a variety of formal wear to give to neighborhood Cinderellas who normally would not be able to attend graduation without them.
Kessel was teaching high school a few years ago when she heard students ‘ heartbreaking tales of being unable to attend prom because they couldn’t afford a fashionable dress.
Kessel just prayed about how to assist women in need and decided that collecting elegant attire, footwear, and accessories may be the best way to go about doing so.
“I’ve experienced the heartache of so many teens who don’t have the means to afford a dress, whether it be for prom, homecoming or any other special occasion”, Kessel said. “A lot of these ladies chose not to attend out of concern and guilt. This would be a fantastic way to give back to the community and provide the consumers peace of mind knowing they are valued and loved.”
So much Kessel has collected about two hundred clothes from companions, her own sons, and even previous students. The gowns come in all tones, are short and long, and their styles run from modest to extra large.
“My goal is to obtain and deliver graduation, tuxedos, girls, or any special occasion dresses to young large and high school girls in our community who have financial needs,” Kessel said. This would provide girls an opportunity to gain a unique perspective for young ladies whose economic circumstances may prevent them from attending such events.
Then she’s encouraging other people to donate their original prom gowns of any length, size or colour to the trigger by bringing them to Jamie’s Medical Touch at 1730 Crockett Road in Palestine, during business days, which are 9: 15 a. m. to 6 p. m. Monday through Friday and 9: 15 a. m. to 3 p. m. on Saturdays.
“I looked and reached up to individuals in Palestine to transform into an inviting environment where women can come and openly try on and leave with a costume they feel comfortable in,” Kessel said. “Jamie Rhone, the owner of Jamie’s Therapeutic Touch, responded back almost immediately and offered a room at her spa to keep the dresses.”
Kessel claimed that keeping their former outfits in an effort to “cling on to the past” can be more rewarding than giving them to someone else.
I ask that you support me in this endeavor and encourage others to donate any special occasion dresses, as I promise you will receive a lot more than you can imagine.
Donations of shoes and accessories are also welcome. Kessel has steamed all of the dresses, but she is hoping a nearby dry cleaning service will help her by cleaning the dresses.