2024 Prom Dress Collection Drive now underway at Mothers Trust Foundation and Zengeler Cleaners

All Zengeler locations serving as drop-off points for collection drive

Winter weather is finally in full swing and that means spring must be right around the corner. For most area high schools, planning is now underway for prom season later this year. That also means all Zengeler Cleaners locations are now accepting lovingly worn donations for the annual prom dress collection drive, along with formal wear accessories such as shoes, purses and jewelry.

Zengeler Cleaners partners with Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) of Lake Forest to distribute donated items to area students who are otherwise unable to afford to attend their high school proms. MTF volunteers serve as “personal shoppers” who assist students in selecting their dream apparel from a vast selection at their annual “Pop Up Prom Shoppes” — all at no charge. This year, the Prom Shoppes will be held April 13 and 14 at University Center of Lake County and are open to Lake County high school students with a valid school ID. The weekend also features educational opportunities, including tours of the campuses of both University Center and College of Lake County.

“The educational component Mothers Trust Foundation has arranged in cooperation with the University Center and CLC make this program truly unique,” said Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners. “Students attending the event can learn about continuing education opportunities, potential scholarships and how to apply for financial aid. For students who are not college-bound, career counseling is also available during the events. Combined with the opportunity to look your very best at prom, we believe this is the premier event of the season.”

For 20+ years, Zengeler Cleaners has partnered with a number of Northern Illinois high schools whose students donate previously worn dresses and accessories to distribute to students attending the Pop Up Prom Shoppes. This program has allowed tens of thousands of women to attend their proms, a goal that would be out of reach financially without this program.

All donated items are cleaned and inspected, then repaired as needed, by Zengeler Cleaners, to make sure the dresses are “prom-ready.” MTF volunteers sort the dresses by size, style and color in advance of the Pop Up Prom Shoppes, assuring the shopping experience is as smooth and easy as possible.

“Support for the dress collection drive from local schools and nonprofit organizations has grown steadily through the years,” continued Zengeler. “Even our customers are now involved, many of whom purchase and donate new dresses. It’s great to see so many people come together to help make the dream of prom come true.”

More information about Mothers Trust Foundation can be found at motherstrustfoundation.org.

For more information about Zengeler Cleaners, visit zengelercleaners.com or contact Tom Zengeler at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14.

Zengeler Cleaners stores are located in Deerfield, Northfield, Winnetka, Long Grove, Northbrook and two in Libertyville.