Dress for Prom Without Breaking the Bank

Picking out a prom dress is so exciting for teenage girls. But the prices—anywhere from $80 to $400 and up—can be prohibitive for many. The high cost of prom can make it impossible for some.

One student at Grayslake North believes there is a better way. She is recycling prom dresses to help less fortunate girls.

Kathryn Harrsch, 17, a senior at Grayslake North, is hosting a Prom Dress Drive. She is looking for donated, gently used prom dresses to then give to girls who couldn't otherwise afford a dress.

"Since it was so close to prom, I thought it was a good idea to do a Prom Dress Drive," Harrsch said. "One night for prom for a girl can cost between $100 and $300, and night overall can run cost up to thousands between getting your hair done, buying shoes, jewelry and accessories."

Harrsch said she wants to "recycle" the dresses that the girls would otherwise just wear once.

"I want to give girls the confidenece and the opportunity to go to prom in a beautiful dress," she said. "No one should be left out because they can't afford a $500 dress."

She said the Prom Dress Drive provides real benefits.

"I think it would make a girl feel like they are important too," Harrsch said. "They should feel that they are just as important as anyone else."

She is accepting donations of all types and sizes of prom dresses, dressy shoes, unopened makeup, purses and clutches for the special evening. She is also seeking donations from bridal and dress stores throughout the area.

"I have five dresses myself that I'm donating," she said. "A girl always wants a new dress."

The donated dresses will be given away to those who need it.

"I was talking to Mr. Kubic, the leader of my Public Service Practicum, and we decided that instead of charging anything for the dresses, this is more of an act of kindness," Harrsch said.

This year, prom will be held May 5 for Grayslake Central and May 7 for Grayslake North.

Dresses and accessories are being accepted at 1925 N Route 83, Grayslake.

The Prom Dress giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 at . For more information, call the school at 847-986-3100.