Penn Hills hosts Project Prom for 3rd year

Allegheny County students have a chance to feel like royalty with the county’s Department of Human Services Project Prom.

Started in 2003, Project Prom has called many areas in Allegheny County home, the most recent being Penn Hills. The program is dedicated to giving dresses, shoes and jewelry to prospective prom attendees.

“It’s so special to be a part of something that a lot of people consider a right of passage,” said Shelli Luchs, senior manager of event and donations for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Starting at 10 a.m. April 6, eligible prospective prom attendees are welcome to browse more than 3,000 dresses, including long and short styles, in the Project Prom Shop at 10 Duff Road in Penn Hills. There are some pant suits, shirts and other separates, as well as some mix-and-match pieces, for those who don’t want to wear dresses.

When entering the store, students will be greeted and then matched with a personal shopper who will help them look through the selection. Once they have a few picks, they will be escorted to the changing rooms and can stand on platforms in front of mirrors to view the items they selected. After shoppers have picked a gown or outfit, they will be able to select a pair of matching shoes and a piece of jewelry or a hairpiece.

This year — because of a surplus in donations from the department’s Holiday Project — students will be able to select a piece of makeup as well.

“Going to prom is such a big deal, and I think some of the kids that are coming to see us aren’t used to getting spoiled in that way,” Luchs said.

To be part of Project Prom, high school students must live in Allegheny County and qualify for a free or reduced school lunch. A student also is eligible if a household member is on active military duty or a veteran.

Luchs said a majority of the donations came from One Enchanted Evening in Zelienople, DressHaute Couture at Tanger Outlets and the online store Sydney’s Closet.

Project Prom also is accepting community donations of gently used shoes, jewelry and dresses until April 5. People can drop off donations on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 1 Smithfield St.

“This is just really fun,” Luchs said. “When they walk in the gown room and see these 3,000 dresses laid out on these beautiful racks, their mouths just drop open.”

The gown giveaway will continue from 3 to 7 p.m. April 8 and 11, and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. April 13.