By Ruth SOWBY

On Saturday, May 10, the Central Library in Glendale on Harvard Street was every teenager’s prom dream. Dozens of dresses and suits fit for a prom were available for those ready to “swap” for something similar in teens’ formal wear. The event, exclusively for teenagers aged 13-18, was staged in the Library’s Teen Space on the second floor. From 11 a.m.  to 1 p.m. girls, boys, moms and dads filled the room laden with clothing racks of evening wear. All that was missing were the corsages.

Although the event started out as a swap, it quickly turned into a giveaway for those affected by the Eaton Fire. 

The teen prom clothing swap was the brainchild of Glendale teen Samantha Sanchez. She is the student commissioner of the Glendale Sustainability Board. She also attends Glendale City Council meetings to voice youth concerns. Sanchez asked for clothing donations from owners of clothing stores, thrift shops, other community businesses and volunteers. Especially generous was the Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Glassell Park.  

“Our crew worked hard to pick out everything ‘prom-ish,’” said Assistant Manager Richard Zagala.     

After posing at the prom photo booth, Cloe Weisse, 14, had a makeover by professional make-up artist Jess Vega. He worked with make-up that was donated. Weisse is an Atwater Village resident whose family was affected by the Eaton Fire.    

Glendale Teen Services Librarian Sarah Walker said, “This swap became a response to the Eaton Fire. More than 95% of the clothing was not swapped, but given away.”