Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and what is prom without accessories? From jewelry, to purses, dresses, and shoes, the Belle of the Ball Project provides this stuff for free. According to OHS’s social worker, not too many girls are taking advantage of this opportunity, and they miss their prom because students think they have no other option.

The Belle of the Ball Project is only for girls who receive free lunch, have family financial difficulties, or are referred to by a church or civic organization. To find out more of the qualifications visit belleoftheballproject.com. You also have to be able to prove that you qualify for these things. Dresses are donated by people and organizations. Belle of the Ball Project’s slogan is, “No girl should be denied the opportunity to attend her high school dance because of financial difficulties.” The distribution dates are March 15^th, April 5^th, 19^th, and May 3^rd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. They have 4,000 dresses in their inventory. Many people have made donations including David’s Bridal, donating a whopping $1,000, Cookie Lee donates jewelry, and Olga’s Bridal Boutique donates dresses and shoes.

“I did go to prom when I was in high school, but I haven’t heard of the Belle of the Ball Project so I think I just threw my dress away; I wish I would’ve known about them because I would much rather donate then throw a perfectly good dress away,” said Ms. Wilma. She said she is very big on “reduce, reuse, and recycling.”

Students that are interested in volunteering can contact Belle of the Ball Project at   [email protected]. Belle of the Ball Project needs personal shoppers, greeters with a sign in sheet, and sign out people. The distribution of the dresses is in Seminole mall.

Nylah Koenig, 12^th grade, said she is not attending prom this year because it is too expensive. “I did go last year though but I wouldn’t consider donating my dress because it’s ruined. Fruit punch and chocolate got on it, but if it wasn’t ruined I would probably donate it and put it to good use.”