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Planning to attend prom but don’t have a dress? UL Lafayette’s AmeriCorps program can help. The group is currently collecting prom dresses that will be given away to high school students on March 7 at the United Way building at 215 E. Pinhook Road.

The giveaway starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

If you have a prom dress sitting in your closet with nothing to do, Amanda Noble wants it. Noble, a nursing student at UL Lafayette and AmeriCorps member, started the giveaway program last year.

“ I am from New Orleans and the (New Orleans) Hornets basketball team had a program like this. It had a big impact back home,” she explained. “I did some research and couldn’t find a program like this here.” So, she started one.

Last year more than 200 dresses were donated and more than 50 girls received dresses. Noble wants to increase those numbers this year. She said she is hoping to collect 300 dresses and help at least 100 girls this year.

“ This program helps girls who don’t have prom dresses while at the same times promotes recycling and community service which is what AmeriCorps is all about,” said Noble. She wrote and received a $625 grant from the Lafayette Junior League, which help to purchase a steam cleaner and also clothes racks and hangers for the donated gowns.

Anyone interested in donating a dress, shoes or accessories, can do so at the drop off site at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church. Or, call AmeriCorps to arrange for pickup at 262-1360.

A variety of sizes, styles and colors will be available. Students much show a current I.D. to participate in the giveaway. Spa gift certificates and others will be given out as well.

For more information, contact AmeriCorps at 262-1360.