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Are your closets cluttered with old dresses from homecomings, proms and events of yesteryear? Don't let them gather dust -- donate your gently used formal dresses to The Princess Project and share your glamorous style with others.

The Princess Project collects dresses through local drives and holds giveaway events where girls who couldn't otherwise afford a dress are given the donated frocks and an accessory for free. The project has given away about 4,000 dresses each spring and, since its development in 2002, The Princess Project has sent more than 20,000 girls to prom.

During its twelfth annual drive, residents can drop off dresses at several San Ramon Valley locations:

G.R. Doodlebug (3626 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville), The Savvy Shopaholic (411 Hartz Ave. #G, Danville), Bar Method (3211 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon or the Walnut Creek Location), the Stoneridge Mall and Renaissance Club Sport in Walnut Creek.

Julie Bond, G.R. Doodlebug's marketing manager, said the store has participated for two years and received 20 to 30 dresses in 2012.

With three daughters in their 20s who graduated from Carondelet High School, Danville resident Cass Gomes said she had a closet full of dresses from various dances. While cleaning her closets, Gomes said she wanted to do something more with the gowns than give them to Goodwill.

"I was so happy to have a place to take them and it really made me feel great because they're good dresses and they were expensive and I know there are a lot of girls out there that can't afford them," Gomes, a teacher, said. "Having all girls, I know what it's like to get ready for prom or homecoming. For that time in their life it's a really big deal."

The Princess Project's gown drive will run through Sunday, Feb. 24 and public dress giveaways will be held on March 9, 10 and 16 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. All high school girls with a valid school I.D. are welcome to shop for dresses; no proof of financial need is required. Each girl may bring one female companion to help her shop for a dress.

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