ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS12) — It’s prom season, and for many families, the cost of dresses, suits, and accessories can quickly add up. One Florida organization is helping ease that burden.
At Operation Prom in downtown Orlando, 26Health is providing free prom dresses and suits to students in need, according to WESH.
Joanne LaComb stopped by to find outfits for her children.
“You know prom suits are so expensive It’s such a blessing. I’m so grateful for it,” she said.
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Her son, George, said the program made attending prom possible. “Without this, I don’t think I would have had a prom suit I’m really grateful,” he said.
For Derrion Bivins, it meant the difference between going and staying home.
“I wasn’t going to go to prom because I couldn’t afford a suit,” he said. “Then I got the email ‘I can go.’ We were happy.”
Organizers say more than 300 items were donated by staff and community partners after a social media callout.
“We believe in giving back to the community,” said 26Health CEO Latrice Stewart. “Our staff wanted to help those who may not have had the funds to participate in prom.”
This is the first year for Operation Prom, and organizers say it’s already making a big impact—helping students celebrate the milestone without the financial stress.