Pictured, from left, WCHS freshman Sarah Ocock, junior Sophia Parke and senior MegAnn Pearl.

WARSAW — Combined Community Services is gearing up for their 10th annual Glass Slipper event on April 8 that provides prom dresses to young women who cannot afford them.

The event was started by Director of Client Assistance Peggi Lisenbee-Wright’s daughter Alexis when she was in high school. With her mom working for CCS, Alexis saw a need for girls who needed a dress for prom and started the event with donated dresses.

Since then, the event has been passed down through Warsaw High School students via word of mouth. Typically only a few students take charge of the event, dedicating many hours organizing and sorting dresses. CCS offers a host site and supports the student group by helping with questions or contacts, but ultimately the event falls on the shoulders of a few high schoolers.

This year the event is being organized by veteran MegAnn Pearl, WCHS senior who has been involved for three years, and trainees junior Sophia Parke and freshman Sarah O’Cock.

Young women in need of a dress sign up and choose a time slot to come in on the day of the event. Any girl is able to come in for a dress, but registration helps keep the event organized and allows organizers to make sure they can meet the need. At the event, the woman is then able to “shop” for a dress she likes. Volunteers are available to assist with finding correct sizing to assure a positive experience. “It’s a real ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ feel,” commented Emergency Assistance Coordinator Lindsay Rex.

Currently only Kosciusko students are eligible. Meaning, even if the student lives outside of the county, as long as the school attended is within the county the student is eligible.

New this year will be an online registration, also available through their Facebook. The online registration is aimed at making it easier for non-WCHS students to participate without having to drive into Warsaw to sign up.

As part of the event, and depending on donations, restaurant gift cards and make-up goodie bags are also given out to girls to complete the prom night. The only thing not included in the price of the prom ticket. Professional hair and makeup are offered for WCHS students the night of prom; if you would like to coordinate something for your school or if you are a professional who wants to volunteer your services, contact Lindsay Rex below.

CCS is currently looking for restaurant gift cards and florist donations for boutonnieres and corsages. Monetary donations are always appreciated and will be used to provide gift cards if not enough are donated, or to rent tuxes to young men who help with the event. The donation of suits and dress shoes is also encouraged.

Dresses and other goods can be dropped off at Combined Community Services at 1195 Mariners Dr., Warsaw. If you would like more information, donate or volunteer your time, contact Lindsay Rex at [email protected] or (574) 269-6019 x230.