Company delivers donated prom dresses to needy high school girls

Workers at Zengeler Cleaners put the finishing touches on cleaning and pressing new and gently used prom dresses Thursday before loading them into vans for delivery to needy Chicago-area high school girls.

It's the 14th year the company has collected the stylish garments through the Glass Slipper Project, a Chicago-based charity.

Company President Tom Zengeler recalls collecting about 300 dresses during the first year, compared to a total of 5,287 prom dresses collected this year. Shoes, handbags and other accessories are also donated.

"Many times, this is the first dress these girls have ever had," Zengeler said Thursday. "When they are selecting the dresses, a lot of times they are in tears because they've never been able to afford an item like this."

Throughout the year, Zengeler Cleaners has been collecting dresses at each of the company's eight locations in Lake and northern Cook Counties. They have also had help from area high schools in the collection drive.

Dresses and accessories are distributed free to students at Glass Slipper "Boutiques," where each student receives individual assistance from a volunteer as she shops for her prom ensemble.

"So many young women now have the special opportunity to enjoy their prom this year, thanks to those who make these generous donations," Zengeler said.

"Boutique" shopping opportunities will be held on two consecutive Saturdays, April 2 and 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Price Elementary School, 4351 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago.

For more information about the Glass Slipper Project, visit www.glassslipperproject.org