Fairy Godmother goes to college in Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT ? The North Shore Fairy Godmother project gives deserving high school girls the real Cinderella treatment.The project will give prom-goers a fairy-tale experience. The date is next Saturday, when high school students from the North Shore who might otherwise not be able to attend due to financial constraints will have the opportunity to pick out gowns and accessories, from jewelry to handbags and shoes, that have been donated to the cause.Shari M. Warden, an account manager for GE, volunteers for the project and says it gives her a real sense of pride to participate. Warden said that the project began in early 2000 with 40 girls from Lynn and surrounding towns.”Last year,” she said, “there were 200 girls who attended.”Warden said she got involved with the project because she remembered going to her prom, and how wonderful the experience was. And she didn’t want someone to miss out on that experience because of a financial situation.”To think someone can’t go because of financial constraints made me want to get involved as a volunteer,” Warden said.Students are referred to the project by high school guidance counselors, class advisors, the Massachusetts Department of Social Services, Girls Inc. and other organizations. They must be in good standing in high school and financially unable to purchase prom items.The project accepts donations, and Marian Court College is one of the drop off areas. Also, the fashion merchandising students at the college volunteer their time by styling the high schoolers. They make sure clothes fit, and they help the students pick out accessories to go with their outfits.Denise Hammon, president of Marian Court, said the students are getting an all-around experience by volunteering with the project.”They are putting their fashion skills to very good use and it’s a nice way for the students to give back to the community,” Hammon said.She believes Marian Court students connect with the high school students they are helping. Many of the students who are volunteering come from Lynn and relate to all the attendees ? but especially with the high school girls from Lynn.”They are helping less fortunate students have the chance to feel beautiful both inside and out,” Hammon said.Girls Inc. of Lynn, which is one of the many organizations that have students who attend the event, has been involved for eight years. Cassandra Foley, Director of Teen programs, said Girls Inc. gives priority to girls attending the program who are juniors and seniors. The girls must bring back a permission slip signed by their parents to participate. The opportunity gets opened up to students who are sophomores and freshmen if there is extra space. The opportunity is one that the girls enjoy, especially having a personal stylist, Foley said.”The girls love the fairy godmother event, and being matched up with volunteers who help them pick out dresses, shoes and accessories,” Foley said.All of the girls appreciate the opportunity and the chance to attend their prom in style.”Typically all the girls we bring go home with a free prom dress, shoes and accessories,” Foley said. “The girls are excited about their prom dress and very thankful to all of the GE volunteers for their time and dedication,” she said.Donations can be dropped off at Marian Court college at 35 Littles Point Road in Swampscott up until Friday, March 27.