With tiaras and top hats and billowy and sparkling gowns, for many, senior prom is the time to create magic moments and lasting memories. But for others, it’s a time of disappointment because they can’t afford to go. One local woman is making those ladies dreams come true.

This Saturday, senior girls from across the Black Belt can pick up a free prom dress with accessories from 8 a.m. to noon at Advantage Storage, located at 5190 Ala. Hwy 22 in Valley Grande. Senior ladies must present their IDs.

Program coordinator Claudia Wright and daughter Shonda started the program in 2008 as a way to help senior girls with their prom attire.

“I started out with four dresses that were donated,” Claudia said. “By the time I opened, I had 75.”

Claudia said the idea came to her after she visited a student at Selma High School who was browsing through a book of prom dresses.

“She said she couldn’t afford to go to prom (and) it was at that moment, I felt this is what I was going to do.”

Now with more than 200 dresses available, including shoes, gloves, purses and tuxedos, Claudia said it’s an indescribable feeling to be able to give back and to share stories.

“I reach out to people of different incomes, it doesn’t matter,” Claudia said. “I just enjoy seeing them (clients) happy — it’s so rewarding (and) it gets better and better every year; the community has been so supportive.”

Since starting, Claudia said donations — monetary, clothing, diamond and gold jewelry, have poured in from local stores, churches, friends and anonymous donors. For Claudia, just seeing the lives she touches brings a smile.

“I go to the proms to see my Cinderellas,” Claudia said. “They (parents and teens) really appreciate what they’re getting and that’s what matters … some people think it’s a ministry; I guess it is. It’s a ministry for me … it’s wonderful.”

Those who get a gown can keep it or return it if they’d like. Dresses will also be given away on April 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Claudia gives special thanks to Advantage Storage, Dallas County Human Resources, Catherine Gilmer, Tammy Suttles and Renee’s Bridal. For more information, call 875-3890.