While prom dresses can have sparkle and shimmer, they can also come with hefty price tags, writes Melissa Jacobs for Main Line Tonight.

Along with other expenses such as shoes, limos, and jewelry, parents and teens can end up spending a chunk of money for prom night.  

Local mom Charmion Rosen decided to bring the idea of a ‘prom closet’ to Malvern.  

“People may not realize that there are families in need throughout the Malvern area,” said Rosen “Here, and in other local towns, there are families struggling financially and prom is a big expense for them.” 

Rosen set up the prom closet through her nonprofit, A Blessing Hand Up. After putting the word out on social media, she gathered over 200 dresses, suits, jewelry, and shoes through individual and store donations. These items are available for free for teens at three different events. Through generous donations, Rosen has collected dresses in every style; something for every teen. 

Various prom dress shops have donated gift cards and gifts baskets for the kids. The raffle tickets are $1 each and allow students to win inexpensive salon experiences, so they have a chance to get their hair and nails done for prom night. 

“It helps me to help other people,” Rosen said. “To think that all of these teenagers will be able to wear outfits they love to prom makes me happy.” 

Read more about how Charmion Rosen creates memorable prom experiences at Main Line Tonight.

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