Vernon's Cornerstone Clothing Bank Again Offering Free Prom Boutique

VERNON, CT — Vernon's Cornerstone Clothing Bank will again offer free formalwear for those who can't afford the expensive shops.

The Cornerstone Prom Boutique will be in its eighth year in 2023.

Donations are now being accepted of dresses, tuxedos, black and dark blue suits, shoes, unused makeup and accessories. The Cornerstone Prom Boutique will open in early spring.

Last year, the Prom Boutique served 128 high school students from 38 towns.

All donations can be dropped off to the Cornerstone Clothing Bank at 3 Prospect St. in the Rockville section of Vernon. Donation hours are Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any questions can be directed to the staff at 860-798-5026.

Cornerstone officials said that, when students came into the clothing bank looking for prom dresses eight years ago it became clear that there was a need to offer prom attire to the community. The event has grown over the years, with the help of community donations.

Cornerstone is a faith based non-profit organization in Vernon started in 1982 by Helen Syriac, a local resident and parishioner at Sacred Heart Church. Since then, Cornerstone has grown to include three shelters, community kitchen, the clothing bank, the food cupboard, and a community center.