Junior twins Sophie and Sienna Vagnini have partnered with Belle of the Ball, a New England nonprofit that collects and distributes free prom dresses to high school juniors and seniors with budget constraints.

The sisters encouraged those able to donate prom dresses through April 2, asking those with used or gently worn gowns to drop them off at their house or arrange for pickup. They promoted the dress drive through their social media accounts, and the response was overwhelming, with people even donating dresses from out of state. As collection partners, the Vagnini twins have seen Belle of the Ball’s strong impact in helping students attend prom with a dress they love. 

“Since 2005, Belle of the Ball’s mission has been to clean and distribute prom dresses and provide related accessories at no charge to high school juniors and seniors who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend their school’s prom,” Sophie Vagnini said. “They make it really easy to donate money, become a donation partner or volunteer.”

The twins said they feel strongly about organizing the drive so all can feel confident at their prom, which is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

“Everyone should feel comfortable and beautiful on the day of their prom,” Sophie Vagnini said. “This organization allows girls to choose their prom dress and accessories in a boutique day at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, so it’s providing not just dresses but a really feel-good and positive experience.”

They said that the process is simple, and everyone in need can sign up. 

“Students are recommended or invited by teachers, guidance counselors and administrators in their school,” Sophie Vagnini said. “It seems like the process is pretty simple, and there is an online portal to recommend a student.”

The Vagnini twins said they have had a rewarding experience so far and hope to continue the effort in the future. 

“Starting our own donation drive has been great,” Sophie Vagnini said. “We’ll certainly do it again next year. When we are 18, we can also volunteer to help on boutique day, which we plan to do.”