NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s President’s Leadership Program will host Once Upon A Prom Dress, an opportunity for high schoolers to select a formal dress at no charge. The Once Upon A Prom Dress Boutique will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at NSU’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry across from Prather Coliseum.
More than 140 prom dresses have been collected to distribute to high school girls in the surrounding parishes and are free to those who need them. However, there will be a donation box for those who wish to donate to Relay for Life. PLP has adopted a local Relay for Life team to support and has already collected $250.
“The dresses will be at the BCM in a ‘pop-up boutique’ style. That way, girls can come to the BCM to select a dress and still feel like they got to shop for their own special gown,” said PLP member Kelsi Horn. “Girls will be able to try on any dress they choose at the BCM before taking one home. We want it to be perfect for them.”
PLP members modeled the project on a similar one in New Orleans and reached out to local schools as well each member’s hometown to collect dresses.
PLP is a leadership program that develops team building and communication skills among students by engaging in philanthropy and university and community service projects.
The group is coordinating several community impact projects this spring, including a performance by students in the School of Creative and Performing Arts for the Boys and Girls Club of Natchitoches, a literacy project with kindergarten classes at Weaver Elementary, assistance with the Friends of Natchitoches Parish Library book sale, a wellness and health education seminar for college students, assistance with Special Olympics, support for Hope House in Shreveport, a leadership and communications program for the Boys and Girls Club and honoring veterans at NSU athletic events.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to support One Upon A Prom Dress can contact Horn at khorn031789@nsula.edu or (318) 581-0878 