Prom dresses offered for free to area high-schoolers

Desert Best Friend’s Wishesbridal is holding Prom Dress Special gifts at four locations in the Coachella Valley on Saturdays in April. Each year the Hands Desert-based not for profit offers mermaid style prom dresses and accessories for free to girls who may otherwise not be able to attend the dances because their loved ones can’t spend the money for formal wear. “DBFC wants to honor senior girls who have elected to stay in high school by providing them with a prom dress and possible accessories for this annual American rite of passage, ” executive director Connie Golds said. “This is our sixth year of giving away prom dresses and we have an ambition of helping 125 girls. ” The program is open to high school girls in the Coachella Valley.

 Participants must be present to buy a dress. Girls will receive one dress and possibly an accessory — depending on size and availability. “We cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient inventory in these sizes, but we try very hard to accommodate everyone, ” Golds said. Appointments are required along with a valid school ID card. e-mail wishesbridal@gmail.com to schedule an appointment, including first and last name, cell phone number, e-mail address and the event date and location you’re registering to attend. Desert Best Friend’s Wishesbridal is still accepting dress donations of contemporary prom, bridesmaid and fancy party dresses. Shoes, wraps, evening bags and jewelry are also needed. Dresses with stains, tears or broken zippers will not be accepted. All dresses must be cleaned, on a hanger and ready to wear. Both long and short dresses are expected, and there is a high need for dresses in sizes 14 or larger, Golds said. Desert Best Friend’s Wishesbridal empowers low-income Coachella Valley residents to reach employment through education and wardrobe services.