Zengeler Cleaners launches Glass Slipper Project collection

Zengeler Cleaners is launching the company's 2016 collection drive for donations to the annual Glass Slipper Project.

GSP is a volunteer organization that helps 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 gently-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 the cause.

As a result, Zengeler Cleaners has collected more than 39,000 dresses in the past 13 years, along with 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 company. "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.

Nearly 4,900 dresses and hundreds of accessories, shoes and jewelry were collected in 2015, company officials said.

The annual collection drive culminates in two Saturday shopping opportunities, scheduled this year for April 2 and 9. The items are distributed at no cost 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 again be at Price School in Chicago.

More information about The Glass Slipper Project is available at www.glassslipperproject.org. Visit Zengeler Cleaners' website at www.zengelercleaners.com. Zengeler Cleaners' stores are in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Long Grove, two Libertyville stores and the company's newest store on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook.