Glass Slipper Project 2016 Collection Now Underway at Zengeler Cleaners
Zengeler Cleaners is launching the company's 2016 collection drive for donations to the Glass Slipper Project (GSP). GSP is a volunteer organization that provides an opportunity for area high school women to experience the joy of prom at their schools. Zengeler Cleaners' eight locations will serve as a drop-off point for donations as part of its 14th year partnering with the GSP.
Since 1999, GSP has helped tens of thousands of high school women enjoy their prom, made possible by the donations of lovingly-worn prom dresses and accessories. With the ongoing support from Zengeler Cleaners, area high schools and local businesses have joined in the collection effort, greatly expanding the reach of this worthy cause. As a result, Zengeler Cleaners has collected more than 39,000 dresses in the past 13 years, along with thousands of dollars of shoes, jewelry and accessories.
"Collecting donations for the Glass Slipper Project is one of Zengeler Cleaners' favorite times of the year," said Tom Zengeler, president of the Midwest's oldest and largest cleaners. "We set a goal to collect at least 3,000 dresses every year and have exceeded that goal the last seven years. Thanks to the continued support of area businesses and local schools, we're confident we'll accomplish that again this year. We're off to a great start already, with many donations received over the last few months."
While partnering with local schools generates most donations, Zengeler Cleaners also receives a large number of dresses and accessories from customers. That includes dresses purchased and donated directly to the collection drive without ever being worn - some even with the price tags still on them! The combination of 4,893 dresses and hundreds of accessories, shoes and jewelry collected in 2015 had an estimated value in excess of $3 million!
The annual collection drive culminates in two Saturday shopping opportunities, scheduled this year on April 2nd and 9th. The items are distributed free of charge to students at Glass Slipper "boutiques," where each student receives individual assistance from a volunteer "personal shopper," allowing students plenty of time to "shop" for their own prom dresses. This year's boutiques will once again be set up at Price School on Drexel in Chicago. Thanks to Chicago Public Schools for making Price School available for this cause.
More information about The Glass Slipper Project is available at www.glassslipperproject.org. For more information about Zengeler Cleaners, please contact Tom Zengeler, president, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit Zengeler Cleaners' website at www.zengelercleaners.com.
Zengeler Cleaners' stores are located in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Long Grove, two Libertyville stores and the company's newest store on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook.