LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Zengeler Cleaners and Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) of Lake Forest are prepping for the return of their “Pop Up Prom Shoppe” program, scheduled for March.
The Pop Up Prom Shoppes help high school women throughout Lake County, Illinois, experience their proms without the worry of the high cost of dresses, accessories and formal wear. The two organizations operate the annual formal wear giveaway in cooperation with the University Center of Lake County (UCLC) and the College of Lake County (CLC), both located in Grayslake, Illinois.
“Mothers Trust Foundation is very excited to announce the return of our popular Pop Up Prom Shoppes the weekend of March 7, 8 and 9,” says MTF Office & Events Manager Marly Subido. “Our goal is to ensure the cost of a dress isn’t the reason someone cannot attend their high school prom. Thanks to donations of dresses, shoes and accessories from former students and Zengeler Cleaners customers, we can eliminate that obstacle for thousands of students. We’ve already contacted area school districts who have generously supported this event in previous years so they can schedule dress collection drives as the calendar turns to 2025.”
Zengeler Cleaners has spearheaded the prom dress collection drive since 2003, receiving more than 80,000 donated dresses, along with thousands of pairs of shoes, jewelry and other accessories over the past 20-plus years. The Zengeler team inspects and repairs each donation as needed, then cleans each dress to assure it is “prom ready” when selected by a high school student attending the Pop Up Prom Shoppes.
Coordinating the 2025 event for MTF is Maggie Feinendegen: “Volunteering for the Mothers Trust Pop Up Prom Shoppe has provided some of the best experiences I've ever had. I am so proud and excited to be on the staff this year, watching more high school students light up the room in their prom dresses!”
Mothers Trust Foundation says it is looking for student and adult volunteers to help with this year’s event. Opportunities include organizing and sorting donated dresses and apparel, assisting students while they “shop” for their perfect prom outfit, and helping students understand their continuing education options at both CLC and UCLC, including how to get career path guidance and financial assistance.
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