Real fairy godmothers to girls in need

The Malverne Library is an official drop-off site for the Long Island Volunteer Center’s Prom Boutique, an island-wide effort to provide prom dresses to economically disadvantaged girls. Here, volunteer Michele Esselborn, left, gathers donations left at the library with Malverne librarian, Cathy Wellikoff.

Courtesy Michele Esselborn

Malvernites Maria Hafker, left, and Victoria Marmo discovered the prom dress drop off site during their trip to the library last week.

Rossana Weitekamp

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Way back in the depths of your closet, or maybe even towards the front, there’s a gently-used evening dress or gown you don’t wear anymore that could be given to charity.

And Malvernite Michele Esselborn wants it.

Esselborn, 53, is on the donations committee for the Long Island Volunteer Center’s 22nd Annual Prom Boutique, which collects new and slightly used prom dresses, bridesmaids dresses. and accessories such as evening shoes, and dressy handbags, to give to girls who cannot easily purchase the items for their prom, awards ceremony or graduation.

Since starting her volunteer efforts in February, Esselborn has been promoting the effort through social media and flyer distribution, and recently established a drop-off site for local residents at the Malverne Public Library. “Cathy Weilkoff and Mary Mayo, I believe, presented it to the library board and got approval for a drop-off site very quickly," said Esselborn, who was grateful for the ladies’ help. Other local drop-off sites include Sip This in Valley Stream, ReCreateU in Rockville Centre, JPJ Real Estate and Design in Lynbrook and the Garden City Historical Society.

Back in December, Esselborn became inspired to get involved when she heard Teri Resca, a member of the National Association of Professional Women, speak about Prom Boutique. “I thought it was wonderful that the organization came together to help girls who may not get to go to their prom because of financial pressures,” said Esselborn, “and for the girls to know that there’s someone looking out for them.”

Gown distribution is by invitation only – and all girls are referred for dresses by high school guidance counselors, at-risk youth agencies, group homes, and church outreach programs. Over 1,500 girls from 65 different schools and organizations benefitted from last year’s effort, according to the Long Island Volunteer Center’s website.

Girls will have the opportunity to select their dress during a private event at Nassau Community College in April.

People interested in donating new or gently-used dresses, handbags and shoes can do so at any of the aforementioned locations, or can contact Esselborn directly at 516-225-1013.