For many senior girls, prom dresses are an assumed expense as the end of the year approaches. But for others, the price of the dress may prevent them from attending altogether.

However, the Princess Project, a non-profit charity organization based in San Francisco, seeks to offer low-income girls an opportunity to get a gently used, or new prom dress for free, according to Princess Project Vice President Yvette Nichols.

The Princess Project sponsored an annual series of dress drives from Feb. 25 to 29 in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Fremont, Santa Cruz and other Bay Area locations.

After the organization collects the dresses, it organizes a series of giveaways. Admission to the giveaways requires no identification or proof of financial need other than a student identification card.

This year, representatives from the Princess Project approached Gunn about having Gunn students attend the giveaways, Student Activities Director Lisa Hall said. Hall, who put up flyers on campus and announcements on InClass and the daily bulletin, said that only “a few” students contacted her about participating. “It might have been people were embarrassed or they thought the thoughts the dresses might be ugly or out-of-fashion,” she said.

Giveaways will be held in San Francisco, the East Bay and Silicon Valley. The organization also holds “boutiques” in March for groups of ten or more girls at all locations. Boutiques allow girls to shop privately with their friends, instead of at general gatherings.

Nichols said she strives to give the girls she serves a happy memory shopping and a fun experience shopping. “We offer these girls a really wonderful day,” she said. “The dresses are beautiful. This is not like shopping at the Goodwill.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information on how to donate, visit the website.