Bay Area Nonprofit, ‘Princess Project’ Helps Girls Get Ready for Prom

Thousands of teens in need of a dress this prom season will receive help thanks to the Princess Project.

Non-profit Princess Project, which has chapters and giveaways around the Bay Area, aims to provide free prom dresses and accessories to high school teens.

The Silicon Valley chapter hosted a giveaway Saturday at Oaks Shopping Center in Cupertino. It will also continue to provide free dresses on March 10 , 13, 16, 17 and 19, according to organizers.

"I just want to make sure any teen is having a hard time affording prom knows that they are cordially invited to be a part of our giveaways," president Emily Harborne said. Over 5,000 dresses were donated last year.

With prom season approaching, it can be an extremely stressful time for high school girls searching for a dress. The Princess Project aims to take some of these pressures off of students.

Princess Project partners with Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay schools each year to identify students who could benefit financially from a free gown.

Each girl receives her own personal shopper — a volunteer — who helps her search among an abundance of dresses. Teens can leave not only with a dress, but also shoes, jewelry and other accessories.