LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Zengeler Cleaners recently completed its annual prom dress collection drive this spring, gathering donated gowns that were made available at no cost to northern Illinois high school students through Mothers Trust Foundation of Lake Forest.

The donated dresses, inspected, repaired as needed and cleaned by the Zengeler team, were distributed during Mothers Trust’s College, Career and Prom Readiness Days on March 5-7 at the University Center of Lake County’s Grayslake campus. Students from nearly 30 districts attended the three-day event, which also included information on continuing education options and financial aid.

The event, formerly called the Pop Up Prom Shoppe, was rebranded this year to reflect an expanded scope. Students had the opportunity to tour the College of Lake County and the University Center campus in addition to selecting a dress.

Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners of Libertyville, says the partnership has grown well beyond its original focus.

“This event is truly about far more than a dress, thanks to the educational and financial aid components provided in cooperation with the University Center of Lake County and the College of Lake County,” Zengeler says. “We are extremely happy to work with an organization that continues to provide opportunities for area students. We’re confident this program will continue to grow in future years.”