Prom comes to those in need

Hot steam rises as employees at Zengeler Cleaners press and fix prom dresses that are going to students in need.

Officials from the Northbrook-based business said they are proud to be part of the “Glass Slipper Project,” a charity that gives financially struggling young women from throughout the Chicago area a prom they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Zengeler has teamed with businesses, schools and community groups in Cook and Lake counties to collect an estimated 4,100 new and used gowns, shoes, jewelry and other items students attending prom would need this spring.

Those items are everything a junior or senior student who want, for the big event, said Zengeler delivery supervisor Pete Donis.

“Every one of our employees are absolutely enthused in doing this,” he said. “And, not only are they enthused, but the people who give as well. These are items that could have sat collecting in their closet, but are now going to a great cause.”

The company estimates that nearly $2 million worth of dresses and accessories were collected this year and will be distributed to students on three separate “boutique” days at a Chicago school. The boutique will be held at McCorkle School on State Street in Chicago.

It's the ninth year Zengeler has collected items for the Glass Slipper Project. Specifically, Zengeler collects, cleans, repairs and presses the dresses, before delivering them.

The “boutiques” will be held April 2, April 9, and April 16. Each girl will have their pick of the dresses, and a volunteer will help them pick out dresses, accessories and makeup that will make them look great on their prom day.

Students must be high school juniors or seniors and must present a valid school ID card or another proof of student status.

Donis said Zengeler became involved after a customer at their Deerfield store suggested they collect prom dresses for needy teens. The company collected about 800 items the first year, and since then, numerous schools and corporate sponsors have joined the cause.

Many of the gowns and accessories were collected by students at several area high schools including Stevenson, Libertyville, Deerfield, Lake Forest, and Carmel.

“Each year, it seems to grow and grow and more people from the community become involved,” Donis said. “It's really wonderful to see a great cause like this grow and grow.”

For more information about the Glass Slipper Project and the boutiques, visit glassslipperproject.org.