Project Prom: Free formalwear available to students in need

Kimberly C. Moore, The Ledger
·2 min read
Sam McCain, Assistant Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance with donated prom dresses they have collected for high school students and will be available at their Project Prom store at Lakeland Square mall in Lakeland Fl. Wednesday March 9, 2022. ERNST PETERS/ THE LEDGER
Sam McCain, Assistant Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance with donated prom dresses they have collected for high school students and will be available at their Project Prom store at Lakeland Square mall in Lakeland Fl. Wednesday March 9, 2022. ERNST PETERS/ THE LEDGER

LAKELAND – A rainbow of prom dresses and suits are hanging on racks, waiting for new owners at Lakeland Square Mall as part of UthMpact’s 10th annual Project Prom, a program that provides free formal attire and accessories to students in need.

“They just need to show up at the store,” said UthImpact Assistant Executive Director Sam McCain.

'The best night ever': Lakeland church hosts drive-thru prom for those with special needs

'Confident in my flying': Lakeland teen prepares for international indoor skydiving competition

Shopping days are Saturdays: March 12, March 26, and April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In-store capacity is limited due to COVID precautions.

UthMpact provides clothing for students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford a new outfit. Since 2013, more than 5,000 prom ensembles have been given at no cost to young women and men in Polk County.

Project Prom offers free prom wear to Polk County students with valid Polk County School ID through April 9.
Project Prom offers free prom wear to Polk County students with valid Polk County School ID through April 9.

Clearing the way: Lakeland Christian School moves closer to high school expansion

Donations of gently used formalwear are still being taken at the InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact’s offices at 621 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland, with ample parking behind the building off of Missouri Avenue and West Palmetto Street. Donations may also be dropped off at the store site at the mall in the former Sears store during store hours.

McCain said they are in need of women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (16 and up), along with men’s dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts in all sizes.

“We take donations year-round,” McCain said. “It’s tax-deductible.”

In addition to providing clothing, Project Prom encourages students to have fun without engaging in risky behaviors like drinking and using drugs.

For more information or answers to questions, call 863-802-0777.

If you go:

Project Prom Store

Lakeland Square Mall

3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland

In the old Sears wing

Saturdays: March 12, March 26, and April 9

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Call 863-802-0777

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Project Prom: Free formal attire available for students in need