Memory Carouthers is making a difference in North Mississippi, one prom dress at a time. Memory’s Magical Dresses and Formal Wear Giveaway provides dresses, tuxedoes, jewelry, and shoes to junior high and high school students free of charge for proms and dances. The non-profit organization celebrates its fifth year this month by giving out over 4,000 dresses and tuxedos to youth in the greater Tupelo area.
“This all began seven years ago when I was working with some young women in a girl empowerment group. One young lady mentioned how she would love to go to prom, but her mom couldn’t afford to buy her a dress or get her hair done,” Memory recounted. “I told her that if her mama would buy her prom ticket, I’d help her with the rest. That young lady told some friends that ‘Miss Memory’ would help them too. So, my mama and I began shopping thrift stores for formal dresses.”
Her first prom dress giveaway was in 2018, with 13 dresses. It was hosted at Spring Hill Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in Tupelo. Rickey Bogan was the reverend then, giving Memory the green light to host it at the church. Five years later, from 13 dresses to thousands of dresses, Bogan came to offer a prayer with Memory, her mother, and several other faithful volunteers on the morning of this year’s final dress giveaway.
“God has blessed me so,” said Memory, who expressed that her desire to help others came from a serious health challenge in 2014.
“I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and had to have brain surgery. With the left side of my body paralyzed, I had to learn how to walk and everything all over again. I was in the hospital from October 2014 to December 10th of that year. All of this took a toll on my body, and I was unable to work and looking for something positive to do. I thought, if I can do something, then why not do it? Especially if it’s for the good of youth and children.”
The community response has been tremendous. Memory’s Magical Dresses and Formal Wear Giveaway is now a 501-C3 rooted in Tupelo’s CREATE Foundation, a major force behind many of Tupelo’s great community efforts. Additionally, individuals and local stores have donated dresses to Memory, and monetary donations have also been given.
“I got a phone call one day from TJ Denson, from TJ’s Pageant in Fulton,” she said. “‘I’ve heard about what you’re doing, I have 800 pageant dresses you can have.’ I was stunned. So many local businesses have believed in this mission and wanted to support it—I am just so thankful.”
Memory’s teenage son, Mason, came up with the name “Memory’s Magical Dresses and Formal Wear Giveaway.”
“Mason was eight years old when I started this. He said, ‘Mama, think about it. Your dresses are magical. You’re actually making magic happen for children.'”
There is no doubt that Miss Memory is making magic and memories happen for youth in the greater Tupelo area. With parents and teenagers lined up each year, she fills a great need while providing joy for many children and their families.
“I feel so full,” Memory said. “Parents thank me all the time and say we couldn’t have done this without you. We all need a little help sometimes.”
Memory’s passion for community service and helping children in her area doesn’t stop with her formal ware giveaway. She also partners with local businesses to provide free haircuts for kids during the “back to school” season and toy drives during the holidays.
“I love helping children. I struggle, too. I’m a single mom, too. But if I can help, I’ll help. My parents always taught me that whatever you dream, think it into existence, and it will happen.”
