The Hart School District and the Assistance League of Santa Clarita, are working together to help students in need make the dream of attending prom a reality.

Project Prom, now in its third year, is a district-wide program that will serve up to 1,000 students this year by providing prom dresses, suits or a tux rental, shoes, jewelry and other accessories.  A collection drive is under way with a need for additional prom dresses to be donated.

The community is encouraged to support this wonderful program in several ways:

* Donate “gently-used” formal attire, shoes or accessories, for girls and boys, through March 15. All Hart District junior high and high schools are serving as drop-off points for donations

* Write a check to Hart District Project Prom, tax ID #95-6001532, and drop it off or mail it to the Hart District or make a donation through PayPal at www.HartDistrictProjectProm.com

* Stop by the KHTS AM-1220 3nd Annual Santa Clarita Home and Garden Show, on March 31 and April 1, at the Hyatt Valencia.  A portion of every admission ticket will benefit Project Prom.  This event will feature a wonderful variety of local vendors and demonstrations with a Home and Garden theme. It’s a great way to shop local and support a good cause at the same time.

The Hart School District is committed to serving students not only by providing a top-quality education, but also ensuring that their overall school experience is filled with positive memories and a variety of opportunities.  Unfortunately, many students may not be able to attend this special event because their family is unable to pay for all the expenses involved. Students invited to participate are on the free and reduced lunch program at school.

ProjStudents that choose to participate will make an appointment to “shop” at a nicely decorated boutique set up at the District Office and the Take Two Resale Shop.  Students may also be eligible for a $50-100 scholarship to offset the price of their prom ticket.  Once the ticket is purchased, students receive vouchers for local participating salon services and corsages and boutonnieres made by Assistance League volunteers.  Project Prom is staffed by volunteers that include District staff members, parents and community members.  All girls receive new jewelry compliments of Cookie Lee Jewelry.

Students that participated last year said that they thought they would never be able to go to prom and now they have a great experience to remember forever.  Parents of students get teary-eyed at the sight of their son or daughter all dressed up and smiling, with the struggles of their family’s financial situation put behind them, at least for one special evening.

For additional information please visit: www.HartDistrictProjectProm.org or contact Terry Deloria, Hart District Administrative Center, at 661-259-0033 x.242 or dmiller@hartdistrict.org.  For more information on the Santa Clarita Home and Garden Show, please visit www.scvhomeandgarden.com or contact KHTS at 661-298-1220.