LOS ANGELES — There is something magical about picking out a dress for prom. Seventeen-year-old Salee said she didn’t think she would be going.
“I did not expect this so, I am excited,” Salee said. “I am excited for prom now.”
Salee is one of 200 students who was able to pick out a free prom dress and all the accessories for “Operation School Bell Prom.”
Now in its 12th year, the partnership is with the Assistance League of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District. The students are either in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
“My family has gone through being homeless. We are fine now, but anytime we got something, like it could be like a food donation thing, it is great to have,” Salee said. “I always will be appreciative.”
Salee said she and her family were living in shelters up until about five years ago. A challenging time, but she said it brought the family closer together.
The timing of Salee’s prom is perfect. Melanie Merians, CEO of Assistance League of Los Angeles, said they could not host this special experience for two years because of COVID.
“We see these young ladies come in and sometimes they’re very timid, they’re very shy, they’re not sure what to expect, but by the time they go through the prom day shopping experience, this pop up boutique, they walk out like Rihanna on the red carpet and they feel great about themselves,” Merians said.
When home life is disrupted, Salee said feeling great can be a challenge.
It gets better. I know it is cliché, it really does, especially if you have family members who love you,” Salee said.
Salee said because of this experience, she can have a prom she has always dreamed of.