Formal Wear Donations Needed for Project Prom & Project Homecoming

 

Prom and Homecoming are memorable milestones but unfortunately the expenses associated with these special events could make attending prom or homecoming out of reach for some teens. Student leaders from UthMpact, the teen coalition for a Drug Free Polk, have led the local Project Prom and Project Homecoming effort for the past 11 years to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and homecoming season.

Student Shopping Days are held each spring and fall at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! Over 5,500 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

How Can You Help? We invite individuals, clubs, and community organizations to support the Project Prom and Project Homecoming efforts for local students in need by hosting a Formal Wear Drive to collect gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories (purses, jewelry, ties, etc.). Especially needed are ladies plus size dresses (size 18+) and smaller size dresses (size 0-4), along with men’s wear in smaller sizes.

Donations may be dropped off at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland (open 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday). Formal wear and accessories donated will be shared at the Project Prom and Project Homecoming shopping events for teens in our community who may not otherwise be able to afford a new outfit to wear. 

For information, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/, click www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call our office at (863) 802-0777.