Project Prom: Call for donations to help underprivileged youngsters "feel their best"

Wednesday 22 February 2023

A group of friends are calling for donations of formal clothes and accessories to help kick start a project which hopes to enable students in financially difficult situations "feel their best" for prom.

Lainah, Ella and Xanthe - who work together at Jo Malone in Voisins - were inspired to set up 'Project Prom' by Lainah's son Aaron (15) who is due to be going to his own prom this summer.

Lainah said: "My son had said to me: 'Mum, there's a lot of students are who are struggling to study. They are all focusing on prom because their parents can't afford the right stuff.'

"I shared this with my colleagues, my friends, and said: 'Can we do something to help people financially struggling?' So that's how we came up with the idea."

The initiative is centred around the values of "kindness, compassion, and humility", which the trio believe are especially important in the current cost-of-living crisis.

The co-workers explained: "We want to help students feel their best on this special and exciting day, without anything holding them back."

Pictured: The Project Prom poster contains a list of what donations are needed, and contact details.

Xanthe explained that prom has always been a hugely important day for students at that age.

"When we were at school, me and my friends had planned out prom years in advance!" she laughed. "It's such an exciting thing to do. You know, on the day you go with each other to get you nails done; it's such a big thing at that age. It's a really good opportunity for everyone to have a great time."

Ella added: "It's so so important at that age; it's almost like a wedding in a way!" 

Lainah, Ella and Xanthe are now looking for donations of dresses, suits, jewellery, bags and shoes for students who are hoping to attend prom this summer. 

Anyone who has something to donate can get in touch with the Project Prom team who will then let them know where their closest drop-off point is.

The team will also arrange to pick up some of the items, if necessary, or you can head to Jo Malone in Voisins and leave your donations there. 

They are also hoping that some people might be able to donate their time to provide "prom preparation services" such as make-up, hair, fake tan, or nails.

The Project Prom team explained: "Once we have gathered a decent number of donations, we will get in contact with students who will benefit from the project." 

Pictured: Lainah, Ella and Xanthe are now looking for donations of dresses, suits, jewellery, bags and shoes for students who are hoping to attend prom this summer. 

The trio has also secured the support of The Salvation Army, who are providing a space to hold donations, whilst the Bridal Boutique has also kindly offered to donate some dresses and vouchers, and help fit any suits needed.

When the time comes, students will be able to arrange a private appointment to go and look through all the clothes.

They will have to go individually, and can only be accompanied by a parent or teacher. 

Xanthe explained: "The reason why we're doing it like this is to try to reduce bullying. I'm sure you know how it is when you're younger and someone says you got a dress from charity. So we don't want that to happen, we want to keep the privacy."

The idea has already gone down well with the students at Le Rocquier School.

One student, Alannah Landers, said: “I think it’s a great idea to help people who might have worried previously and brings a lot of relief for others and include then. The prom should be an exciting time for all and this is a project that makes this possible.” 

Emily Budge added: "It can save the horrible embarrassment with the high costs associated with a special time in a students life. It’s a great idea and I wish I had known before buying my own dress!” 

Pictured Top: Ella, Lainah and Xanthe - founders of Project Prom.