Prom season is just around the corner and hundreds of students from Oxford already have their minds on that special day.

Unfortunately, the high costs associated with prom can shift the event out of grasp for some students. According to a report by Visa, American families spent an average $919 on prom in 2015.

Thankfully, throughout the month of March, Oxford Public Library, located at 530 Pontiac Road, is once again joining forces with Hope Closet to enable young ladies of limited means to attend their high school proms in style.

“We want to make sure that girls that can’t afford formal wear can still go to prom because it is such a rite of passage,” said OPL Teen Department Head Rachael Quinn. “When you donate your dress, it goes towards a good cause and it’s actually helping someone.”

From now through the end of March, the library is serving as a collection site for Hope Closet. Oxford residents are encouraged to drop off formal dresses at the Teen Department desk, along with accessories such as shoes, purses, wraps and jewelry. Items must be either new or gently used and clean.

According to Quinn, receipts will be provided to those who donate, upon request.

Oxford students are invited to shop the collection at the library throughout the month and will only need to show a valid school ID or report card to receive one.

Hope Closet, based in Royal Oak, is a nonprofit organization which aims to provide young women with the opportunity to attend special High School events with a dress of their choice, regardless of financial limitations.

The organization will operate a special boutique April 22-April 29. At the boutique, girls can browse the selection of donated items with a personal shopper who helps them pick out the perfect dress, plus one accessory.

Through the organization’s efforts, over 4,000 young women from the greater Detroit area were able to attend prom between 2003 and 2010. For more information about donating, please visit www.hopecloset.com or contact Quinn at (248) 628-3034.