Dashawna Wright
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
Every girl’s dream is to have a wonderful prom day from having the right date to picking the perfect dress, shoes, hair and makeup. Miss Senior Tyinnia Jenkins, an elementary education major from Chicago, Ill., wants to help under privileged girls from the Jackson metro experience a spectacular prom.
Jenkins is asking Jackson State University students, faculty members and the community to donate any prom garments that are still in good condition to her prom dress drive. She is accepting prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, purses and makeup.
Jenkins remembers the struggles and the expenses of prom she encountered and decided to help other young ladies offset these costs.
“I can recall trying to obtain all of these things to go to the prom. It was very expensive and I struggled doing so,” said Jenkins. “The purpose of this drive is to give back to girls that cannot afford prom necessities and to be able to enjoy their prom night.”
Her goal is to obtain 100-300 prom dresses before April 1, 2016. The dresses will be given to junior and senior class of girls that attend Jim Hill high School and Provine high school. The young ladies will be able to pick a prom dress and a pair of shoes of their choice.
A few girls will get a free makeover from Jaelah Wright-Keely, a sophomore chemistry major and royal court makeup artist from St. Louis, Mo.
Jenkins is excited about the project and the opportunity to give back to the community.
“So far we have 10 prom dresses, that’s not close to my goal but it’s an amazing feeling to see people giving back,” said Jenkins. “I feel so complete being able to help someone who may not be able to afford these things.”
Jenkins uses her platform THE IMPACT to remind her of her accomplishments and to always give back to the community by motivating young women to attend college. IMPACT is an acronym that stands for the improvement of minds personalities and critical thinking.
Jenkins encourages everyone to donate to this cause and to give back to their community.
“I want to encourage the student body and the community surrounding the JSU area to participate in this drive, and to know that by helping you are impacting someone’s life,” said Jenkins. “Giving back and uplifting someone, especially the younger generation, which alone speaks volumes for itself.”
If you would like to donate any items that are new or in good condition, donation boxes will be accessible within each residence hall. You can also contact Jenkins via email at tyinniajenkins@gmail.com for any questions concerning the prom dress project.
