ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
At Operation Prom in downtown Orlando, 26Health<\/a> is providing free prom dresses and suits to students in need, according to WESH<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joanne LaComb stopped by to find outfits for her children.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know prom suits are so expensive It\u2019s such a blessing. I\u2019m so grateful for it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n See also: Crash narrows northbound Florida’s Turnpike to one lane near Fort Pierce<\/a><\/p>\n Her son, George, said the program made attending prom possible. \u201cWithout this, I don\u2019t think I would have had a prom suit I\u2019m really grateful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n For Derrion Bivins, it meant the difference between going and staying home.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to go to prom because I couldn\u2019t afford a suit,\u201d he said. \u201cThen I got the email \u2018I can go.\u2019 We were happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Organizers say more than 300 items were donated by staff and community partners after a social media callout.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe in giving back to the community,\u201d said 26Health<\/a> CEO Latrice Stewart. \u201cOur staff wanted to help those who may not have had the funds to participate in prom.\u201d<\/p>\n This is the first year for Operation Prom<\/a>, and organizers say it\u2019s already making a big impact\u2014helping students celebrate the milestone without the financial stress.<\/p>\n