By Lisa Biehle Files
Recycle your prom and bridesmaids dresses, jewelry, formal shoes and accessories in order to help Chicago juniors and seniors attend prom in style via the Glass Slipper project.
“Every girl should be able to attend prom and feel like a princess without letting the expense hold her back,” says Glass Slipper founder Dorian Carter.
Bag up your unused glittery goods and label them “Glass Slipper Project" with a permanent marker. Then leave them at one of Zengelers Cleaners' eight suburban Chicago locations. Click here for locations. If you're in Chicago, leave dresses at Smitten Boutique (West Loop) or Alderman Ameya Pawar's office (North Center).
You can also bring dresses and accessories directly to the Glass Slipper Project's 2018 Boutiques on April 14 and 21 at Price Elementary School, any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Or you may ship items by labeling “Prom Goes Green” and sending to USAgain, 1555 W. Hawthorne Lane, 4W, West Chicago, IL 60185.
Every April, Dorian and a dedicated group of volunteers set up shop in one or two Chicago school buildings, where students line up to have volunteer personal shoppers help them select their free dress, shoes, evening bag, and accessories. Alterations are made on site.
Many students would not attend prom otherwise, or would have to settle for less elegant attire.
The Glass Slipper Project has been featured on the NBC Today Show, CBS, WBBM, and the Chicago Tribune.
Says Dorian: “I started this project in 1999 because I thought this is one small thing I can do to make a difference in the life of a young girl. Nineteen years later, Glass Slipper Project has helped more than 20,000 young ladies. And we're not done yet!"
For more information, go to: www.GlassSlipperProject.org