U.O. Student making prom dreams come true

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Story Published: Mar 20, 2007 at 2:06 PM PST

By Jennifer Winters

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A University of Oregon student is helping high school girls' dreams come true, through a charity she started with her mother.

The effort started when Abby Egland wanted to give her old prom dress to a girl in need, but couldn't find a charity, so she started one. "Abby's Closet" collects used formal dresses to give high school girls for their prom. After two years in Portland, they've expanded the effort to Eugene-Springfield.

Abby says,"We figured this is a great place, because college girls still all have their dresses and sororities."

Abby's mother Sally Egland says this is a labor of love. "It is just so rewarding to realize this girl is going to wear the gown to her prom and maybe feel as beautiful as you felt when you wore your prom gown."

Umpqua Bank is one of the Eugene drop off sites, and employees have been donating several dresses.

Rebecca Barton, an Umpqua Bank Universal Associate donated a dress. "And when she said this is for high schoolgirls who may not be able to afford there own dress I thought this is a great organization for non-profit."

People can also donate locally at Chi Omega Sorority and Buffalo Exchange.

Abby's Closet will give away 1200-1500 dresses at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland April 14th and 15th. Girls from across the state can attend the event and receive a free dress by showing their high school ID.

You can learn more about donating or receiving a dress by visiting their website at www.abbyscloset.org.

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