Prom Project in Lufkin offers free dresses to anyone in need

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council’s 15th season of the Prom Project is now underway.

The Prom Project was created in 2008 and has given away around 130 prom dresses each year to girls in need from 14 different counties. Shelly Tole-Barns, a prevention program manager for ADAC, said this event is important to them.

“We feel like there are girls who don’t have the means to get those dresses or accessories to be a part of prom, and we just wanted to be that project that can help them,” Tole-Barns said.

Around 125 dresses in different sizes, colors and styles were donated by the community this year for the cause. Shoes, jewelry, unused make-up and perfume, and even suits are available.

“We are just really blessed with the donations we get from the community. We could not do this without our community,” Tole-Barns said.

A local prom dress store, Ruby and Jane, is a huge contributor to the donations.

The owner, Caitlyn Kirkland, said when she bought the store 10 years ago, she wanted to be a part of the Prom Project.

“We love to be able to do that; we just think it’s neat we’re able to donate to an area that is specific to the business that we’re in. I just think that it’s so special and need to be able to give back in that area,” Kirkland said.

Cady Harvey is a sophomore at Zavalla High School and found her perfect dress at the event today. She said finding one was really easy.

“They just told me where to go, I looked and found this one, tried it on and amazing! Loved it!” Harvey said.

Tole-Barns said they also take time to educate mothers and daughters about how to be safe on prom night.

“When a girl has got her bags full and has their dresses and everything, we take a few minutes, and we just give them some education on safety tips, how to be safe, to not get into a car with someone who has been drinking,” Tole-Barns said.

Anyone is welcome to this event. The Prom Project will continue through May.

For more information on where and when this takes place, click here.

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