On Wednesday, eight students from Covenant House Academies in Detroit headed to the First United Methodist Church of Royal Oak to select one of more than 5,000 free dresses from Hope Closet.

Hope Closet’s founder, Whitney Drake, started the project in 2003 and has hosted a prom boutique every year since to provide young women with the opportunity to attend the prom with a dress of their choice regardless of financial constraints or limitations.

The girls from Covenant House Academies had a chance to find the right dress, as well as donated shoes and accessories, with the help of a "personal shopper" made up of women volunteers.

Hope Closet runs through Saturday. Appointments are required. Visit www.hopecloset.com for more information.

Anyone can donate dresses for Hope Closet, by taking them to Premier Locations, 45200 Grand River Ave., Novi, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.