Teacher collecting prom dresses for students in need

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A Gwinnett County teacher is going above and beyond to make a difference in her community.

A few months ago, Deborah Ware came up with the idea to start "Project Prom."

"I was thinking about the government shutdown and how that may impact families," Ware said. "I also thought about my teaching career and how I've seen financial hardships families and students face."

With prom season around the corner, Ware says she wanted to gather a few dresses to donate to high school girls in the area.

"I don't want the reason someone doesn't go to prom to be because they couldn't afford a dress or shoes," Ware said. 

Several of Ware's colleagues at Dyer Elementary school already donated dozens of dresses.

"My heart is overjoyed to see the response," Ware said. "They keep coming in."

Ware said prom holds a special place in her heart.

"My husband and I have been married for 42 years," Ware said. "I have pictures of us from our prom. It's a night to remember."

Ware will be handing out the dresses in March at a local hotel.

For more information on how you can donate or if you know someone in need of a dress, email Ware at deborah_ware@gwinnett.k12.ga.us