Prom Dresses to Be Given Away

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services' Project Prom Shop will again make available free prom dresses to eligible high school girls who find the cost of a prom outfit to be not within their families' budgets.

In addition, young men who are or whose families are currently receiving services through that county department are invited to participate in Project Prom 2013 for Gentlemen.

The girls event will take place on the third floor of Century III Mall in West Mifflin from Monday, March 11, through Thursday, March 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The boys event takes place in the Human Services Building at One Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh from 5 to 8 p.m. on every Thursday in April (4, 11, 18 and 25).

The girls Project Prom Shop will have available hundreds of new, gently worn and currently styled gowns in a wide range of sizes. All of the gowns have been screened to ensure that each is clean and undamaged. Accessories, including shoes, purses, wraps and jewelry, will also be available to complete each ensemble. Each participant will be paired with a personal stylist to help to find the perfect gown and accessories.

"We're excited to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Project Prom," Event and Donations Manager Ondréa Burton said. "Our goal is to continue the success we've had helping each young lady walk away with a fabulous ensemble and positive memories that will last a lifetime."

Male participants will receive both a tuxedo fitting and a voucher for a free tuxedo rental after attending one of the four scheduled prom-etiquette dinners in April designed to prepare them for their prom experience.

Project Prom is made possible through the generosity of retail establishments and public donations. Project Prom for Gentlemen is further supported by the Dignity & Respect Campaign.

To be eligible for this program, all of the teens (boys and girls) must live in Allegheny County and be prepared to show a valid student ID along with proof of meeting the eligibility criteria listed below.

Girls are eligible if they:

• receive services or have a family member who receives services through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS); or
• receive or are eligible to receive a free or reduced-price school lunch; or
• have a caretaker who receives unemployment benefits.

Boys must receive services or have a family member who receives services through DHS and are required to pre-register by contacting their caseworkers. For more information on Project Prom eligibility, visit http://www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/ppeligibility.aspx.

For other information regarding Project Prom, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/projectprom or call 412-350-3428 and leave a message with a phone number to ensure a returned call.