Glass Slipper Project collection kicks off at Zengeler Cleaners

Spring is just around the corner and many high schools are already planning their 2018 proms.

With that in mind, Zengeler Cleaners has teamed up with the Glass Slipper Project to support the organization's annual collection drive. The Glass Slipper Project is an all-volunteer organization helping high school women experience the joy of prom at their schools, focusing on those who could not otherwise attend because of the expense of dresses and accessories.

"Prom dress donation season is one of our favorite times of the year," said Tom Zengeler, president of Illinois' oldest and largest cleaners.

"Our team enjoys the opportunity to work with students from several northern Illinois high schools, libraries and local businesses to support the Glass Slipper Project. We've collected more than 16,000 dresses over the last three years, and are confident we'll collect another 5,000 this year."

All Zengeler Cleaners locations are now accepting lovingly-worn dresses, shoes, accessories and jewelry to support the initiative.

Zengeler Cleaners and the Glass Slipper Project look to continue building on the success of a partnership that spans 16 years. During that time, many generous donors - both students and adults - have contributed thousands of dresses, along with a huge variety of accessories, including shoes, purses and other formal wear accessories.

Last year alone, Zengeler Cleaners' eight stores collected 6,107 dresses, hundreds of pairs of shoes, as well as jewelry and other accessories valued at more than $4 million.

Over the past several years, GSP has helped approximately 25,000 high school women experience the joy of prom, made possible primarily by the donations of generous students from a number of different high schools.

Thanks to the support from companies like Zengeler Cleaners, the organization has been able to sustain and expand its worthy cause, which began in 1999.

It all leads up to the series of three consecutive Saturday opportunities for high school women to visit the GSP's "shopping boutiques," which will be scheduled in late April and early May, in cooperation with Chicago Public Schools.

Students will have the assistance of a personal shopper, who will help them select their dresses and accessories, all provided for free by GSP. The location of this year's boutiques, along with the exact dates, will be announced soon.

More information about The Glass Slipper Project is available at www.glassslipperproject.org. For information about Zengeler Cleaners, visit www.zengelercleaners.com.

Zengeler Cleaners has locations in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Libertyville, Long Grove and Northbrook.

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