ASHEVILLE – Eblen Charities and Clear Channel Radio want to make sure prom is a night to remember for all area high schoolers, even those who can't afford the black tie attire.

Operation Prom Dress will be Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Junior and senior girls heading to prom are to welcome attend and browse through an assortment of donated dresses to pick one for the big night.

The free gowns will be at the former Bon Marche/Hamricks Department Store in the Westgate Shopping Center, near Eben Charities. Each dress will be prepared by Asheville Cleaners. Alterations will be available.

Discounts on tuxedo rentals are also available for young men. For every tulle prom dress donated at its shop, Mitchell's Tuxedo at the Asheville Mall will donate one coupon for Eblen Charities to distribute.

Since its inception, Operation Prom Dress has helped nearly 400 girls.

"It's a milestone for young people to go to the prom, and it is something they and their parents have looked forward to for a long time," said Susan Riddle, deputy director of Eblen Charities.

"We need to be able to help them celebrate their success," she said.

Donations of gowns of all styles and sizes are still needed.

Dresses can be dropped off at Asheville Cleaners, 230 Merrimon Ave.; Charlotte Street Computers, 252 Charlotte St.; Mitchell's Tuxedo at the Asheville Mall on Tunnel Road; or Eblen Charities, 92 Westgate Parkway.