Prom suit/tux questions + Is there a "princess project" for guys?
I know there's an organization called "The Princess Project" that collects donated prom dresses and gives them to low income high schoolers to help them attend prom, which is awesome.
Does anyone know if there is a suit/tux equivalent to this for the suit-wearers?
Alternatively, Where should high school boys look for rented (or secondhand) prom attire that will be stylish but not expensive?
Background: Talking with my son's male friend group about prom. Some lower income friends might choose not to attend prom only because they cannot afford to rent the suit or tux. The kids have jobs and would pay their own way, but they did the math on total cost, and the suit is one of the most expensive parts making it unaffordable. I like these kids, they are good kids and it would be sad if that's the only reason they didn't go to prom.
Parent Replies
They could try the Marin Prom Boutique pop-up in Corte Madera run by local high schoolers. They will have free prom dresses and suits for any high schooler. I think it opens March 8th. https://www.villageatcortemadera.com/Events/Details/572324
I would check with your son's school or the Concord Library. El Cerrito High School has a prom closet program that has both men's and women's attire. You could also reach out to the Concord Library, I saw an announcement from the library at the end of December seeking donations for pop up shops starting in February. Here's a link to the earlier announcement and a link to a February version of the event. I would think they would have more dates for the pop up prom shop since it's still early for the prom season.
https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/events/675351a217cee028005541b6
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pop-up-prom-shop-the-concord-library-tickets-1248593549919
Operation Prom and I believe some other national orgs of the same general concept as Princess Project do offer suits/tuxedos as well as dresses. Locally, the Albany High School PTSA has held an annual prom closet event for several years which includes both masculine and feminine clothing; assuming that your son's school does not already host a similar effort you might see if you can organize one! It's also usually not too difficult to find nice suits for not much money in thrift stores.