Calling All Dresses! The Junior Service League of Beaufort (JSLB) is hosting the JSLB Prom Boutique on Saturday, March 3. They are looking for gently used formal and semi-formal dresses for young women who wish to attend their high school prom in Beaufort County but may not be able to afford a dress. All sizes, lengths and styles are appreciated.

The mission of the JSLB Prom Boutique is to promote the confidence and self-esteem of the young women of Beaufort whose families have been affected by these hard economic times. The purpose of the project is to provide a gown and coordinating accessories free-of-charge for these young women to wear to the prom.

The JSLB Prom Boutique is also, in large part, about rewarding these young women for staying in school and being good citizens. The aim is to communicate that no woman is bound by social or economic circumstances and that they can achieve whatever they wish; that for them the possibilities are endless.

With the help of the community and school administrators, the Junior Service League of Beaufort will invite girls to attend the JSLB Prom Boutique from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Academy of Career Excellence, 80 Lowcountry Drive, in Ridgeland, where the girls will have the boutique to themselves to try on as many dresses as they want with a friend or family member. All that is required for access to the one-day event is a student identification card from girls attending public high school; a note signed on school letterhead by a teacher, guidance counselor or school administrator from girls attending a private school; and all girls are invited to bring one friend or family member with her to the prom boutique to help her pick out the perfect gown.

JSLB envisions this project as an uplifting way to give a Beaufort County student the opportunity to enjoy her prom, and we greatly appreciate the participation and support of our friends, families, and fellow Beaufortonians. JSLB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of women, children, and families in the community.

The following drop-off sites are available to collect donations of new and gently used semi-formal and formal dresses, prom gowns, bridesmaid gowns, special occasion shoes, handbags, costume jewelry, and accessories: Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort on Lady’s Island, or Sea Island Ophthalmology in Beaufort. JSLB will also pick up dresses and accessories in Savannah, Hilton Head, Bluffton, Walterboro and Charleston. Tax donation forms are available at drop off locations or by request.

For more information about the 2013 JSLB Prom Boutique or to schedule a pickup of items, call 843-566-4686 or go to www.jslbprom.com.