A school worker who launched an appeal on social media to help students struggling to cover prom costs said she was “stunned” by the response.
Katrina Hudson, who works at Stoke High School in Ipswich, took to Facebook to appeal for prom outfits after realizing many students could not afford to attend.
“We live in a disadvantaged area and the students and families are really struggling,” she said.
There were more than 100 replies to her post offering dresses and suits.
“People were incredible,” she said.
Ms Hudson said the idea came after learning about a student’s family who could not afford to pay for the graduation ceremony.
“We live in a disadvantaged area and the students and families are really struggling,” she said. “You were [struggling] during Covid but right now it’s really bad.”
“They’ve reached the end of Covid and they’re doing their exams and they just want to have a party and can’t afford it, it’s really sad.”
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Ms Hudson spoke to a colleague and the couple decided to “post something on Facebook and ask if anyone has any dresses or anything”.
“The response has been amazing,” she said.
“We can now help the other students and possibly other schools.”
On the Facebook post, people offered unworn bridesmaid dresses, unworn suits, sandals they were happy to donate, previous prom dresses and a wedding dress.
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