Fairy Godmother collects clothes for kids to wear to banquet

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - To many eighth grade girls at Pine Ridge Middle School in West Columbia, Wanda Jones is like a fairy godmother.

"I owe her so much," said one girl named Shea. "It's just amazing because most people don't care nowadays and when you find someone who actually cares it just makes the world seem a lot better."

Last year Jones put three girls in formal dresses for their 8th grade banquet. This year her collection has grown and so has the need.

"I've actually gotten dresses from Wisconsin, Texas and Delaware and I've got a necklace and earrings from Michigan," said Jones.

She works in the school's cafeteria and noticed a need among the girls and boys.

"Everyone is struggling right now and it's one of those things where you're just trying your best and sometimes little things like dresses and the banquet just isn't something on your first mind," said Shea.

She said if it wasn't for Jones and her dresses, the banquet would have been just a dream.

"I never tried on dresses. I've never had someone gasp and say, 'Wow, you look amazing!'"

"It just makes me feel really blessed to know that I can do this for them and see that smile on their face and that's what it's about, making smiles," said Jones.

"I feel amazing," said Shea. "Once you feel amazing on the inside you feel even more amazing on the outside."

And the dresses come with a lesson: pay it forward.

"I said, 'This is what you can do one day,'" said Jones. "It doesn't take money to pay it forward, it takes just a little bit of effort."

Jones is off to a great start but she is still in need for the this year's banquet on May 18th. .

They also have a few other needs including dress racks or storage bags for the clothing; women's dress shoes, size 11 and costume jewelry.

Also, if anyone has material that can be made into straps for the strapless dresses, they would appreciate that as well as a seamstress who can make minor alterations.

If you have anything to donate, contact Wanda Jones at munn_wanda@yahoo.com or mail your donations to Pine Ridge Middle School, 735 Pine Ridge Drive, West Columbia, SC.

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