Prom season is here, which means hefty price tags are sure to follow.

Taunton resident Brooklyn Toli is working hard to ease the financial burden that prom night can have on families, and with the help of Taunton High School, Toli aims to get free dresses and formal attire into the hands of Taunton students.

Prom night should be a magical night for everyone, not just the ones that can afford it.

“I have had a love for volunteering and community service since I can remember,” said Toli. “I began when I was 14, volunteering free tap dance classes, and ever since then, I have been creating events to keep myself and the community engaged.”

Toli grew up in Taunton and graduated from Taunton High School in 2016. She spends her days as an assistant professor of theater, teaching tap dance at Boston Conservatory, but no matter where her career takes her, giving back to the community will always be a part of her story.

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She began her own organization, Sisters Support Success, which aims to empower women on the path to their definition of success. The organization is home to the “dress vault,” where Toli has been collecting formal attire for the past two years. She hopes to have a storefront in downtown Taunton one day, but for now, is happy to create retail experiences at her alma mater.

“I worked with Taunton High School, but I also work with a Fall River school, and I have even created retail experiences in my own home for people competing in the Miss American Organization.”

For Toli, it’s all about making the experience feel less like a hand-me-down, or more like a unique shopping experience that is budget-friendly and green.

Toli was proud to share that through her organization’s effort, more than 250 dresses have been donated in the last two years.

And now, for the first time, she will host a prom pop-up shop for the Taunton Tigers.

“When I was in high school, I was blown away by how much money goes into a prom,” said Toli. “I want to make the prom experience more realistic.”

Prom Pop-Up Details

Friday, March 18, 2 p.m., in the Taunton High School Tiger Den. This event is for Taunton students only.

How to Donate to the Closet

Message Toli on Instagram or contact Taunton High School, who will be accepting donations all week. Toli is looking for prom dresses, formal attire for men, or gift cards that will allow students to rent their tuxes.

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