High school students are counting down the days until Homecoming this fall, and InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are working hard to be sure that celebrating at homecoming is both affordable and safe for local students.
Project HOCO and Project Prom are annual events designed to educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during homecoming, prom and graduation time. Project Prom and Project HOCO provides free dresses, suits, formal wear, and accessories to high school students to help offset the expenses associated with attending prom or homecoming. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE.
SHOP
2022 Student Shopping Days for Project HOCO are scheduled for Saturdays September 17, and October 1, 8, & 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store location in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98N, in Lakeland (next to The Children’s Place).
DONATE
You can help send local high school students to prom in style! Community members can support the Project Prom effort by donating gently used (or new) formalwear and accessories.
Especially needed:
- Women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+)
- Men’s dress pants (waist 30-36)
- Men’s dress shirts (all sizes)
Other welcome donations include dresses, gowns, shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories, as well as menswear suits, dress shirts, ties, belts, and tuxedos. Gift certificates for nail & hair services are also appreciated.
Formal wear donations may be dropped off at:
- The Project Prom Store on Saturday shopping dates (listed above)
- The InnerAct Alliance office from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekdays – 621 South Florida Ave, Lakeland
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are also needed year-round to help organize the Project Prom event. It’s a great opportunity for teens to earn community service hours. Learn more about being part of UthMpact.
