As the bell rings, my students take their seats in preparation for another day at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia where I am completing my student teaching. Each day, a chosen student begins the class by sharing one of their favorite quotes with their peers. Likewise, I would like to begin this article with a quote that sums up the heart of this project: “Little things can make a big difference.”
Indeed, the little things are extremely important to my high school students, and one of the biggest events of the spring semester looms in the air- prom. For many girls, attending prom may be difficult or completely unobtainable because of the financial obligations involved, but that is where Becca’s Closet, a national organization with chapters across thirty one states, comes into play.
The core mission of Becca’s Closet is to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need for events such as prom, homecoming, military ball, Latina gala, and even the eighth grade dance.Becca’s Closet began as the brain-child of a 16-year-old girl named Rebecca Kirtman in Davie, Florida. As their website states, “Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today, her family and friends not only remember Becca for her great love and friendship, but also for her contributions to the community.” There are now countless, dedicated volunteers working to keep Becca’s dream alive by providing free dresses to girls in need.
At Campbell High School, my collaborating teacher, a former social worker, introduced me to the social worker on staff at the school who told me about this great opportunity to give back to the community. When I presented the project to my chapter, I was overwhelmed by my sisters’ response- 100% of our girls voted “yes” to the project! I was so touched and proud of my chapter that I was utterly speechless. Through this project, Alpha Zeta has been able to touch many lives through our participation as “personal shoppers” for the students as well as through the donation of dresses, clothing, and food that the social worker will distribute to students in need. This is our first year partnering with Becca’s Closet, but I hope that our chapter, as well as others, can continue to work with this amazing organization in the future. Seeing the teenage students’ faces light up when they find the perfect dress that makes them feel beautiful and confident is truly a priceless gift.
To read more about this organization or locate a chapter in your area, please visit www.beccascloset.org. Any monetary donations may be mailed to Becca’s Closet 151 North Nob Hill Road Suite 280 Plantation, FL 33324.
Nothin' Sweeter than ΩΦΑ 