Every year, students spend hundreds of dollars on prom attire that they may only wear once or twice. Unfortunately, not every student has the money and as a result, these students miss out on one of the biggest events in high school. Instead of letting your clothes rot in your closet, save your formal wear for Project Prom. The last day to drop off donations is April 27.
Recently, students on campus have been dropping off their gently used dresses, shoes, jewelry, ties and shirts at 311 and the Media Center to contribute to the prom attire drive for students unable to afford expensive attire. The donations from the project will go directly to underprivileged students attending Crenshaw and Compton High Schools.
Senior Maria Manjarrez, who is in charge of the project, started Project Prom to inspire students to give back to the community. Manjarrez has also contacted 13 other schools to take part in the drive.
“Not everyone has the financial ability to pay the exorbitant price of Prom night, so I decided to start a prom attire drive for both guys and girls,” Manjarrez said. “I also wanted to motivate our peers to invest in activities regarding civic engagement with philanthropy.”
So far, Maranatha, San Marino and Arcadia are working with Temple City on Project Prom, raising about four pairs of heels and 25 dresses during the first week.
Manjarrez was impelled to start the project that most people were not able to meet the prices of prom.
“I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and high school trajectory by feeling their best at prom because they’ve worked so hard,” Manjarrez said. “Not everyone has the ability to purchase a prom ticket, pay for a dress, pay for other expenses, so I just wanted to help out.”