Instead of storing prom dresses in the closet after that special night, Willowbrook Mall encourages people to make someone else's night special through donation.

During The Giving Gown Foundation's Prom Princess event Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., people can drop off their gently used prom dresses, evening purses or formal shoes at Willowbrook Mall and receive a $10 GGP Shop Etc. Gift Card, while supplies last.

The Giving Gown Foundation is a nonprofit organization that collects donations of new and like-new formal gowns and accessories, and provides them free of charge to high school girls who would otherwise be unable to attend their prom.

"There is a great need out there," said JoAnn Trchalek, founder of the nonprofit. "Right now, we are dressing 500 girls in a day and a half each year and I am sure that we could dress more, but that is all that we have the capacity for."

Founded five years ago, this is the first time that The Giving Gown Foundation is working with the mall, which approached the organization for the event.

"It is always wonderful to have the support of the community and have a place like Willowbrook Mall taking us on," Trchalek said. "We expect the event will help us a lot, just by the being in front of mall traffic and getting to speak to people one-on-one and tell them what we do. I am also hoping that we will reach girls that are receiving gowns through this event."

The Giving Gown Foundation hosts a couple of community dress drives throughout the year, including its annual Prom Preview Fashion Show.

"Myself, and the majority of our volunteers, work full time, so it is really hard to get out in the community on a regular basis, making events like these that much more important," Trchalek said.

For more information, visit www.givinggown.org.