'Operation Glass Slipper' Helps Low-Income Teens Have A Perfect Prom

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Prom is the social event of the year for many high schoolers -- but the cost of that spring dance can be overwhelming.

Students in the Midwest will spend upwards of $700 on average for prom.

Operation Glass Slipper is helping to take some of the burden off the cost.

For teenagers like Destiny Jensen of Northfield, prom preparation always begins with the dress.

"I'm probably going to look for like a princess style kind of, maybe a little puffy," Jensen said.

The search for prom perfection is not easy. Often times that dream look comes at a price that not everyone can afford -- and the dress is just a portion of the total price tag.

"Hair, nails, makeup, skin, shoes and a bunch of stuff," Jensen said.

Pam Phillips started Operation Glass Slipper 10 years ago with the idea that cost should not keep girls from that special event.

"Prom has become so expensive and it's such a rite of passage," Phillips said. "We did this to fill that need, and every year there has been a need of about a thousand girls."

Dresses of every color and style, both gently used and brand new, will be given away to girls who may not have the financial means.

"They realize what they're getting and it's pretty exciting," Phillips said.

But Operation Glass Slipper does not just stop at the dress. Girls get shoes, jewelry, dress tailoring and even a handbag for free.

Volunteers called "fairy godmothers" are there to help each teen complete their perfect look.

"It's the whole shopping experience," Phillips said.

Destiny found her dream dress, setting the stage for that high school event.

"It's kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime thing for a teenage girl," Jensen said.

The Operation Glass Slipper dress giveaway continues on Sunday. There are few openings left, beginning at 1 p.m.

To qualify, students must have a financial situation where prom would not be possible without the help of Operation Glass Slipper.

Anyone interested must bring a student ID to Southdale Mall.

Every piece of clothing and jewelry is donated. Click here for information on how to donate.