Do you know a teenage girl who would love to go to her prom but can’t afford to buy a dress? Or a boy who wants a tuxedo? Let them know about Operation Prom.
Organizers have collected hundreds of new or gently worn prom dresses over the past few months and plan to distribute them to students in need throughout Westchester later this month. The program is geared to teens who live in shelters, group homes, or very low-income households, and also helps as needed with regular donations of food, clothing and school supplies, as well as mentoring.
Eligible girls will be invited to search for the dress of their dreams at one of the upcoming “Prep for Prom” events, co-sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Boys will also be able to arrange for free tuxedo rentals through a specially arranged vendor.
To request a free prom dress or tuxedo, students must complete an application and have it signed by their guidance counselor/social worker, verifying that they are experiencing financial hardship, passing all of their classes, and will graduate in June 2011. The form must be faxed or mailed no later than April 11.
Dresses are free of charge and available in sizes 0-16. Plus sizes 18-24 are limited in quantity. San Marko Formals of Yonkers will be on the premises for tuxedo fittings for boys. Tuxedo rentals, including shoes are available at a special rate of $60. Two “Prep for Prom” events are scheduled:
Southern Westchester County (Mount Vernon, New Rochelle & Yonkers Schools)
Wednesday, April 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Department of Social Services
131 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers
Northern/Central Westchester County
Tuesday, April 19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The College of Westchester
325 Central Park Avenue, White Plains
Anyone interested in applying for a dress or tuxedo should go to www.HelpPROM.org and download an application. They are also available at high school guidance offices.