To Give Others a Magical Night, Polk Students Again Collecting Prom Dresses

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School students are once again collecting prom dresses, a project that is much deeper than silk, tulle and ribbon.

“This is a cause near and dear to our hearts,” said Michelle Luckett, a senior at the high school and a member of the its Leadership Cadre, a service-learning club. “Prom is such a big event in a high school girl’s life. I can’t imagine not being able to go.”

Luckett and her classmates first collected prom dresses last year. Over the course of three months, they collected about 40 dresses, which they then handed over to Winter Haven’s Women’s Resource Center.

“Knowing that so many girls were able to have a special prom night, and that they’re girls just like us right here in Polk County, it was pretty great,” Luckett said.

Inspired by the impact they had last year, the students decided to repeat the project.

The students are using Facebook and flyers around campus and town to garner donations. They’ll accept donations through May 1. Women’s Resource Center will sell the dresses at a deep discount at its Cheep Boutique, 165 Ave. A N.W.

The effort won’t just benefit females. Students are also accepting shirts, ties, suits and shoes to help guys have the perfect prom night, too.

Donations may be dropped off on school days between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, on the campus of Polk State Winter Haven, 999 Ave. H N.E. All styles and sizes of dresses and suits are welcome, but donations should be in good condition, with no stains or tears.

Polk State College operates three public charter high schools, including Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven, and Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School. The schools allow students to earn their high school diplomas while also earning college credit — all at no cost to the students.