The Bella Project, an Oahu-based nonprofit, donated and shipped 175 prom dresses to high schoolers on Molokai, where it's nearly impossible to buy formal wear. 

“Not all families can afford the accumulated cost of getting a prom dress,” said Mela Candelario, the Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services Program Specialist, in a news release. “For our Molokai ohana, it’s not only the dress purchase but flight tickets, as well, to a neighbor island because we don’t have boutiques or formal dress shops on island.”

The Bella Project collected donated dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories, which were flown to Molokai by Mokulele Airlines at no charge. 

Charise Shigeta, who is part of the Bella Project Hawaii, said the nonprofit has been sending prom dresses to Molokai since 2014.  

“Our hope for the recipients is that they can attend their prom/formal and feel beautiful and confident. We also hope that they make lasting memories,” said Shigeta in the news release.

Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services plans to give the free dresses out in January at the MEO Molokai Office in Kaunakakai. The event will include a dressing area to try on gowns. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.