A Prom Season Miracle: Community in Schools Offers Dresses to Students In Need

A major event that students look forward to during the spring is prom. Community in Schools (CIS) is a non-profit organization that helps students with school expenses. CIS provides free prom dress to any student. As of now, prom is rescheduled for May 15th, therefore students can look at prom dresses with their friends until the day before prom, or while supplies last. 

With the coronavirus spreading rapidly across the United States, most spring sports and activities have either been postponed or cancelled. Most malls and boutiques are not open for prom dress shopping. If student is in need of a prom dress, CIS offers free prom dresses for all students, not just students involved in CIS. These dresses are donated by local stores, and once they are given out, students can keep them. To look at the dresses, students can go to room A200K or A200M after school, or during school as long as they have a pass, and let any CIS coordinator they are in need of a dress. 

“Any student can get a dress. They don’t have the be a part of CIS. We typically have students bring a group of friends, and they look at the clothing racks together.” CIS coordiantor Ms. Gonzalez, said. “We want to help out the whole campus as much as we can.''

CIS offers free dresses all year round. Students can find a variety of dresses for homecoming, ROTC ball, as well as any other school event. CIS is also looking for dress donations from students. After prom, if students are looking to donate their used prom dress, CIS would be happy to take donations as long as they are not damaged. Anyone who receives a dress will remain anonymous. 

“I did not know CIS gives away dresses for free; that’s really cool, especially with Coronavirus closing down stores.” Isabella Villereal (11), said. 

Unfortunately, CIS does not offer suits or alter dresses. They will continue to offer prom dresses until they run out. This is also the first year they are open to taking dress donations.

“I think this is a very good way for everyone on campus to help each other,” Villereal said. “We can get a dress for free and clear up some closet space.”

​-Connie Wiggins- Assistant Editor-in-Chief