Group gives Englewood-area teens a place to dress up for prom

As families recover from what was a tough year in 2020, a community in Southwest Florida is stepping up to help kids look and feel their best at prom, without worrying about the price of the look.

Englewood-area high school students are being served by a group and its donors who are making sure they can dress up for prom.

“It’s always like a high school dream to go to prom, but I honestly, I love this, I love dress shopping,” said Sophia Albright, a junior at Lemon Bay.

Albright knows shopping for prom can be pricey. She’s always looking to save a buck.

“I’ve been looking at thrift stores and stuff and hasn’t really worked out,” Albright said.

That’s why she visited Kids Needs of Greater Englewood store (272 S. Indiana Ave, Englewood) where every dress, suit and tie is free.

“It has been a tough year,” said Rebecca DeRosa, the chairman of Kids Needs of Greater Englewood. “They’re not going to have to go underdressed or not be able to go at all because they’re going to be able to go on a gorgeous gown and feel like a princess.”

The group will open its “Picture perfect prom boutique” 3 to 5 p.m. every Thursday afternoon in April.

“I know people who spend thousands on prom dresses, and you can find the same quality here,” Albright said.

All of the clothes come from donors. Some are used, and some are still new with tags. All Englewood-area teenagers attending prom can get what they need without breaking the bank.

“It’s really nice to see like other people putting in the work in the effort to make sure everybody gets a chance to have a fantastic prom,” Albright said.