Free prom dresses, shoes donated to homeless LAUSD girls

HOLLYWOOD (KABC) -- Free prom dresses and accessories were donated to 85 homeless girls who attend Los Angeles Unified schools, part of an effort to make some dreams come true for underprivileged teens.

The Assistance League of Los Angeles works with the LAUSD's Homeless Education Program to identify the students.

The girls receive not only dresses, but shoes, accessories and a makeover.

"They are in school and they are overcoming all obstacles, all odds to graduate," Assistance League CEO Melanie Merians said. "And as a result it's our chance to applaud them and give them an opportunity to attend prom by fully outfitting them from head to toe."

High school senior Erica Hernandez said she was so happy she wanted to cry - but she didn't want to smear the makeup she just had done.

"It's a girl's dream to feel like a princess for at least one day when everything is crumbling down," Hernandez said.