NORWICH – The Norwich City School will hold their Junior prom on May 12, and Geri Barnes, owner of the Coffee Connection, wants to make sure that everyone has the chance to attend.

Barnes has been collecting used prom dresses, jewelry and handbags in the back room of her Broad Street coffee shop. With the help of McLaughlin’s Department Store, who donated racks and hangers, so far, Barnes has collected over 25 dresses in a variety of sizes and styles. The dresses will be available free of charge, for girls in the Norwich School District.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to go to the prom if they want to,” Barnes said.

Dress donations will be accepted anytime during normal business hours. Those interested in donating dresses can also call the store to see about arranging a pick-up. “We’re hoping when people drop off their donations, they’ll leave their name and address. We want to send thank-you notes, and acknowledge people’s contributions,” Barnes said.

The dresses will be distributed in the store on April 14 and April 21. “This is not just for needy kids,” Barnes said. “It’s for anybody who doesn’t have money for a prom dress in their budget.”