Prom has become a major high school milestone and a symbolic exit of an important period in life. But it’s no secret that the event can be quite expensive.

For some students, the mounting price leaves the dream night out of reach.

Valley Health Team, a health center devoted to primary care services in underserved urban and rural communities, is working to change that.

The organization is hosting The Cinderella Project, a dress collection to provide free prom dresses to local high school students.

Valley Health is requesting community donations of “beautiful and trendy but gently used prom dress(es).”

Community members can drop off dresses at Jones Cleaners in Fresno from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, March 18.

The drive aims to collect 1,000 dresses, providing a variety of options for participating students.

As students select a dress, personal will assistances will be available to help and snacks will be available.

Additionally, students will receive hair and make-up tips, participate in a mini-charm session and a high heel clinic, receive a prom night safety tip sheet, and participate in raffle drawings.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Elegant Bride Boutique, 5091 N. Fresno St., Suite 10, in Fresno.