Vicky Foster began her transformation towards becoming Northampton’s very own Fairy Godmother last June after she responded to a call on the Earls Barton Is Kind Facebook page.
The post asked for someone to become a prom coordinator for teenagers who might not be able to afford their dream prom dress or a new suit.
Since she took on the voluntary role, she has gone from having just a handful of dresses in her spare bedroom to now being able to hire out 400 gowns and 50 suits.
On Saturday (February 15), she launched her first ever Prom Dress Library at Weston Favell Library where 35 girls and boys booked an appointment to try on their future glad rags.
The suits and dresses, which range from size 6 to size 24, have all been donated to Vicky by kind-hearted people in a bid to help youngsters who cannot afford to hire an outfit and to help those who are sustainability conscious.
Vicky, who helped to makeover 50 girls and boys last year when she was hiring out dresses and suits from her home, said the event at Weston Favell was a success.
"It's been fantastic," she said. "The event went really, really well and we were busy all day, which was good. We were there for five hours and we had girls there the whole time.
"We had some teachers come in who brought some of their students and they are going to promote it when they get back to school.
"It's not just about girls and boys being able to afford it, it's about recycling stuff. One quarter of them have never been worn."
The prom library event will take place every month until July (dependant on stock) with the next event set to take place at Weston Favell Library on March 14 from 10am to 3pm.
To hire an outfit is free of charge but the person wanting to wear the dress or suit must choose it quickly to reserve it in time and it will be held until the prom date.
The main conditions are the dress or suit must be kept in good condition and must be dry cleaned upon return.
Vicky has appealed to any Chron readers who might want to donate more dresses, suits, shoes, clutch bags and jewellery to the cause, so the prom-goers can have more choice.
Also, as Vicky's stock grows she is now unable to keep it all in her spare bedroom and is in need of storage solutions. If you have a prom dress you'd like to donate or a place suitable for safekeeping, email Vicky on [email protected].
If you would like to book one of the 40 appointments next month email the library on [email protected].
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Cakes and soft fizz were available while the girls tried on their dresses. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds
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Vicky has gone from kitting out her spare room to hosting events each month at Weston Favell library. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds
