Every girl remembers one of the most important nights during her senior year of high school: prom.

But after all the excitement, she’s left with a $150 dress, unlikely to be worn again, and shoes and accessories that only match that one dress.

However, instead of letting that dress collect dust in the attic, women can donate that and other items to the Glass Slipper Project, an organization that collects prom dresses, shoes, purses and unopened hosiery and cosmetics so girls who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go to prom will have the opportunity.

The project will collect prom dresses and accessories today through Friday and again March 19-22. Items can be dropped off at room 157 Gilbert Hall, room 157 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“We’ll need new or almost new dresses that are in the current style,” said sophomore Melissa Karrson, an organizer of the project and a textile and apparel merchandising major. “We really need plus sizes, like 11, 13 or 15.”

The Glass Slipper Project, which originated in Chicago in April 1999, was started by two lawyers, and has now spread across the nation. The NIU chapter started about two years ago.

After the dresses are collected, they are sent to Glass Slipper boutiques, according to the project’s Web site, www.glassslipper.org. At the boutiques, each girl has a personal shopper helping her as she tries to find the dress that is perfect for her.

There is also information on the Web site on what to do if a person wants a dress from the project. Students must be a high school senior and can only get one dress and matching accessories if they are available. Seniors can only bring one person with them to help shop.

The project is in need of other objects and services as well. It needs personal shoppers to help the girls find the perfect dress. Also, it could use rolling dress racks, shopping bags, dry cleaning services and plastic dress bags, printing services and storage space.

It is also in need are transportation services to get the dresses to and from drop-off sites, storage facility and boutiques. Those interested in helping can e-mail [email protected].

People also can donate money if they are interested in helping out.

“Try to remember what it was like when it was your turn to go to prom,” Karrson said. “It’s for a good cause.”