Those milestone high school events like prom and homecoming are lots of fun, and the source of many enduring memories — but they also come at a pretty steep price. Students spend hundreds of dollars on tickets and transportation, formalwear and accessories. It can all add up so fast that some students will choose to pass rather than spend their last hard-earned dollar.

This past spring, a group of members of the Bristol County Elks Lodge #1860 saw the problem and decided to do something about it. Led by Cathy Keighley, a committee of volunteers including Michelle Medeiros, Gina DiSano and Deb Coccio, as well as Jessica Williams of the East Bay Community Action Program, created the Community Prom Room.

All last year, they collected and organized gowns, shoes, evening bags and jewelry for the ladies and suits, tuxedos, dress slacks, shirts and shoes for the gentlemen. With the support of Town Administrator Steven Contente, they arranged it all in a room on the third floor of the Byfield School. It opened in March as a pop-up prom thrift shop, by appointment only, where everything was completely free of charge. Initially intended for students in Bristol, Warren and Barrington, they fielded so many requests from other communities that they opened it to students from across the East Bay.

It was a tremendous success. About 55 students were able to outfit themselves for prom, and many also received flowers, manicures, and prom tickets. Knowing they had hit on something great, the team submitted a packet of information about the Community Prom Room to the Elks National Community Award Chairman in March. In early July, at the Elks National Convention, Bristol County Elks Lodge #1860 was awarded second nationally in their division, Division VI, determined by the number of members in each lodge (Bristol County has more than 2,600 members).

Back for the 2024-25 academic year, DiSano is now at the helm of the Prom Room initiative as Keighley is now the club’s (busy) Exalted Ruler. Medeiros and Coccio are back on the committee, with the addition of June Azzarone, Karyn Harper, and Denise Asciola.

The group continues to solicit and receive donations — and they will need them, as they have added shopping opportunities to the annual calendar to cover Homecoming and Winter Ball needs as well. Hours begin this weekend, Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. It’s located on the third floor of the Byfield School, at 220 High St. Additional dates include Nov. 9, Feb 8 and 20, and March 15 and 22, all from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations of attire and accessories are greatly appreciated; call or text DiSano at 401/487-5406 to arrange a dropoff time.