By Morgan Davy [1]
BELLEVILLE – Own it, rock it, share it. That is the mantra for this year’s Prom Project.
The project, put on by the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, [2] is designed to help students who cannot afford prom attire.
A small group of volunteers is asking for donations of gently used formal wear. In April the selection of clothes will be brought to each of the schools participating and students can pick out what they want to wear to their prom or graduation.
Maribeth deSnoo, executive director of the Learning Foundation, says about 1,500 items were donated last year, and more than 900 students across six schools took part in the project.
Prom is an important rite of passage for young people. It marks the end of high school and is a night many people remember for the rest of their lives, says deSnoo.
“I remember my graduation. We didn’t have prom at that point in time in high school. But I remember, vividly, my graduation and the dance that took place. You know you had to have the perfect dress, and I remember it all with quite fond memories,” she said.
Student participation is expected to rise this year, as the project has expanded to eight schools. This means more help is needed.
DeSnoo says donations have gotten off to a slow start and the Learning Foundation needs community support.
“It’s a little bit of an urgent plea. Hey, things have been slower arriving this year and, with all eight secondary schools offering the Prom Project, we want to make sure that everyone that comes in this year has the opportunity to choose something. Donations are being accepted sizes zero to 24, and I hope everyone that is considering donating keeps that in mind.”
To find out how you can help, click here. [3]
Related:
Prom Project back for a third year [4]