The NOPD is partnering with community organizations to launch a drive called Dresses for Dreams, geared toward helping local high school students attend prom.  

NOPD Fourth District Officer Qiana Lewis first started collecting dresses last year with the help of sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Omicron Nu Zeta Chapter, after learning about the number of students who chose not to attend their senior prom because of the price of a dress and other items needed. 

Lewis then launched a drive and collected 75 dresses for 25 high school girls to choose from in order to attend their prom. This year, the NOPD is hoping to partner with five public high schools in the area to help even more teenage girls attend their proms. 

The NOPD is asking community members to help make a teenager’s prom special by donating any new or slightly used gown that could help students in need this prom season.

The drop-off locations include:

·         Fourth District Police Station, 2405 Sanctuary Drive, New Orleans, La 70114

·         St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, 919 Cambronne Street, New Orleans, La 70118

·         NOPD Headquarters 715 South Broad, New Orleans, La 70119

Last year, School Resource Officer Shantell Howard developed a relationship with two students at L.B. Landry High School who suffer from physical and mental disabilities. After learning that both students weren't planning to attend prom due to financial reasons, she and other officers put their resources together to give them a memorable prom experience. The NOPD is committed to implementing new community initiatives that help officers build relationships within the community, especially with the youth.

March 31st is the deadline to drop off any gowns at any of the above locations.  

For more information about the Dresses for Dreams drive, contact Fourth District Officer Qiana Lewis at 504-658-6040, 504-658-6043 or email her at qtlewis@nola.gov.