AUBURN — Despite the snowbanks, here’s a sign that spring isn’t far away: It’s time to donate those prom gowns hanging in closets.

Gowns and formal dresses are being collected for the second annual Fairy Godmother Prom Gown Giveaway on Saturday, March 28, at the Foss Mansion at 19 Elm St. It’s set from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The project is sponsored by the Woman’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County, which meets in the Foss Mansion.

The goal is to provide free prom gowns, formal dresses and shoes to any girl attending a high school prom anywhere, said Denise Scammon, who, along with Betty Turgeon, are co-chairwomen.

Gowns have already started coming in, and Scammon said she expects by March 28 there will be as many as 300 available in all sizes, colors and styles. Donations are being accepted until March 27.

“Some of the gowns still have the price tags on them,” she said. Many are floor length, a few are tea length. Many are fitted and have a flair, others are princess-style with skirts in several layers. Some are strapless, others have one strap over a shoulder or have halter tops.

Dressy shoes and heels also will be available.

There will be numerous formal dresses for girls who want to wear short dresses to proms or need a short dress for graduation or an event such as a senior banquet, Scammon said.

It won’t be a thrift shop experience, but rather like an upscale boutique, Scammon said.

“The Foss Mansion is gorgeous. We provide an ambiance to the event like a salon,” she said. “The second floor of the mansion will be open and girls will have access to five dressing rooms.

“If there’s an overflow, we’ll have screens. The girls should come prepared to change,” Scammon said.

Scammon said the giveaway isn’t just for those who can’t afford to buy a prom dress. Not having to buy a gown may mean girls “might use their money for college,” she said. And with the recent closing of Deb in the Auburn Mall, there are fewer local places to shop.

“Not all girls have a way to get to Portland,” Scammon said.

The first Fairy Godmother Gown Giveaway Project was a hit, Scammon said. “The community seems to have been waiting for it. It exceeded expectations.”

Girls attended from all over, including Lewiston-Auburn, Lisbon, Portland and Gardiner. When the doors opened there were 250 gowns; 65 girls attended “and 55 girls found the gown of their dream,” Scammon said.

Gowns were also given to girls who could not attend the giveaway, Scammon said.

The Woman’s Literary Union donated leftover gowns to Tri-County Mental Health, which asked for them for its semiformal dance.

Anyone with gowns to donate can contact Scammon at 753-0931, or email her at denisescammon@gmail.com.

Donating gowns “is a good cause,” Scammon said. “It benefits you cleaning out your closet.” Donors become a fairy godmother, “helping girls find the perfect gown for the perfect evening,” she said.

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