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Summarized by Kent Larsen
LDS Ward Helps Transform Girls For Prom
Los Angeles Times 19Apr00 D1
By Marianne Love
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CALIFORNIA -- An LDS ward in California is
taking charity one step farther -- turning it into caring about
others. The ward has teamed up with the San Fernando Valley
Interfaith Council and the California Department of Children and
Family Services to provide prom dresses, helping less fortunate girls
get ready for upcoming high-school events. But the ward also took it
one step farther, making the girls "Feel Like a Princess" for a day.
Nearly 60 high school-aged girls visited the ward's LDS chapel to
pick up dresses, shoes and accessories appropriate for a prom. The
girls also got help from hair and makeup artists, who helped them
through a dry-run for their prom night. A photographer then took
their pictures.
The event make a difference in how the girls felt about themselves.
"I feel so special," said Alisa, one of the girls that attended. "I'm
in a foster home and I don't get much attention. This makes me think
and know that there are people out there who care."
The ward began collecting "like-new" prom and party dress, shoes and
accessories last month. Hair and makeup artists and a photographer
donated their time. LDS Church member Donna Momsen, a manicurist who
donated her time said the highlight was seeing the girls transformed,
"These girls are beautiful and sweet and I have been talking with them
and getting to know them a little bit."
While some of the girls that came were from LDS congregations in the
La Crescenta-La Canada Flintridge areas, others came with their
social workers or with adopted parents. Susan Jakubowski, a regional
resource coordinator with Los Angeles County, observed that many
faiths participated in one way or another to make the day special for
the girls.
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