Vernon Area Library collects prom dress donations Feb. 22 to March 23

Visitors to the Vernon Area Public Library are encouraged to drop off new or gently used formal dresses, dress shoes and other prom-appropriate accessories Feb. 22 through March 23.

The donations will make their way to the “Pop Up Prom Experience,” a partnership among Mothers Trust Foundation, Zengeler Cleaners, College of Lake County and University Center of Lake County, which provides prom wear and accessories to high school students for free.

The 2025 Pop Up Prom Experience will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake. The event is open to any high school student in Lake County. A current high school ID is required for entry.

In addition to choosing a prom dress, students will have the opportunity to spend time on a college campus learning about which programs might be perfect for them.

In advance of the dress giveaway, program partner Zengeler Cleaners inspects, cleans and repairs the donations as necessary to make sure the dresses are “prom-ready.” MTF volunteers sort the dresses by size, style and color, assuring the shopping experience is as smooth and easy as possible for students. More than 300 volunteers contribute to the success of the event. Zengeler collects dresses year-round at each of their locations.

Those interested in attending the event, volunteering at the event or making a monetary donation should visit the Mothers Trust Foundation website at MothersTrustFoundation.org.

The Vernon Area Public Library has served as a donation point for prom attire since 2010. In the past 15 years, library visitors have donated more than 1,000 dresses and accessories. Donations collected after the Prom Experience in March will be saved for next year.