The Youth Services Center at Bowling Green High School is helping make some prom dreams a reality. The fourth annual prom dress drive, where people can donate used dresses to be given away, begins today. It will end May 8, the day of Bowling Green Highs prom. The cost to attend such an event can be overwhelming, coordinator Misti Carrigan said. Its a highlight for high schoolers, and for those who cant afford it; its a chance to be a part of a school activity. According to Carrigan, anyone who wishes to donate or shop should come to the Youth Services Center, located in Bowling Green High, where dresses will be on display from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Girls who need (a dress) can come in and try them on, Carrigan said. Most come in after lunch or during a free period, or after school. The event is open to everyone in the area, regardless of their income. Dresses are given away free, and anyone who donates can get a receipt for tax purposes if they wish. The ALIVE Center A Local Information and Volunteer Exchange is helping the Youth Services Center in advertising for the event. The ALIVE Center provides information and referral to health and human services agencies, and assists in volunteer placement for agencies, said juvenile services coordinator Leah Tibbs. Tibbs said The ALIVE Center is targeting businesses as well as individuals to donate items that can be used for prom. She is working with some businesses that she hopes will donate free tuxedo rentals for men. The prom dress drive is usually advertised to sororities at Western Kentucky University and anyone else who may have dresses hanging their closet, Carrigan said. The store has given away 50 dresses over its four-year duration. Used dresses can also be dropped off at The ALIVE Center, at 1818 U.S. 31-W By-Pass. Its important because a need has been identified already for teenagers to have prom items, Tibbs said. Proms are a memorable occasion for high school juniors and seniors. We didnt want any student to not attend the prom because of financial reasons. Carrigan said donors bring in all styles of dresses. We advertise for gently used, fairly recent dresses, she said. We want ones that the girls will actually want. Dresses that do not get taken are often given to Goodwill, Carrigan said. Others are donated to Bowling Green Highs drama department or to family and consumer sciences classes for sewing lessons. We need all sizes, Carrigan said. Usually we get the smaller sizes, but we need larger sizes, too. Carrigan urges students to be a part of the prom because its a rite of passage for high-schoolers. Its important for all students to be involved in school activities, regardless of their income status, she said.