It's a little early for spring cleaning, but it's never a bad time to comb through your closets for a worthy cause.

Donate those gowns you bought for a special occasion and will never wear again to help make a young girl feel special.

Donations will be accepted at the customer service desk at CBL Malls in the St. Louis region: Chesterfield Mall, Mid Rivers Mall, South County Center, and West County Center.

Gowns of all shapes, sizes and styles are welcomed. Gowns should be "prom appropriate" (and judging for the styles in stores, this pretty much means everything but mother-of-the-bride dresses) and on hangers.

All sizes are welcome, but sizes 14 and up are especially in demand.

NOTE: Please no velvet or velveteen as prom occurs in the spring.

Donated gowns will be available at a temporary Cinderella boutique, opening in March at Mid Rivers Mall, where VIPs (Very Important Prom Goers), referred by school counselors and/or social service agencies, can shop and select a dress for free.

After the VIPs have made their selections, the boutique will open to the public and all gowns will be offered for $29. The project is sponsored by the Community Council of St. Charles County.

The Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project is also seeking volunteers, financial contributions and in-kind gifts.

Anyone interested can call 636-978-2277 or email Cinderella@communitycouncilstc.org.