Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON — The dates for area high school proms are only a few weeks away, and the “Cinderella Project” that was created to assist those unable to afford the hefty price tag attached to prom gowns and accessories are requesting help from the community, in order to make the dreams of numerous students become a reality.

Williamson Memorial Hospital’s (WMH) “Nurse of the Year” April Toler-Mullins, aka “Fairy Godmother”, had the desire to reach out to students whose financial circumstances provide them a very limited amount to spend on the prom and recruited her fellow workers, friends, and family to assist her with the endeavor. The outpouring of support she received was overwhelming, but there are still quite a few girls whose needs have yet to be met.

“First of all, I want to thank each and every person who has donated items,” stated Mullins. “We have been able to help a lot of students from Mingo Central, Tug Valley and Belfry High Schools, but we have found ourselves with a shortage of smaller dresses in the 0-4 size categories. I am hoping and praying that we can receive donations of additional gowns that will allow us to accommodate the students still waiting on specific sizes. It breaks my heart to think of any of these sweet girls not being able to attend their proms.”

Mullins is continuing her mission to also collect monetary donations that will be used toward the rental of tuxedos for male students in need, and says there are several who have asked for assistance in meeting the cost.

“I remember growing up and not having a lot, I understand exactly how these students feel. I know there are a lot of families in our region who are struggling and our wish is to take this burden and worries from their minds,” Mullins said. “If you have a prom gown in a small size, please consider donating it to a very worthy cause. I’m sure you will be blessed for your generosity.”

“Anyone who has a gown, jewelry, shoes or flower bouquets that they’re willing to donate can drop them by the third floor nursing station and my co-workers will make sure it gets to me,” said Mullins. “You can also drop the items off at the Williamson Daily News on 2nd Ave. in Williamson. If you are a beautician or a nail technician who would give a few hours of your time to help us with the prom makeovers, we would greatly appreciate it!”

You may reach Mullins at 304-784-4459 or 304-475-3551; Jacqueline Atkins at 304-899-6104; or Sally Irick at 606-456-4254.

Mingo Central and Belfry High School’s proms are scheduled for April 27th and Tug Valley High School will hold their special evening on May 7th.