If you are having to focus on food and shelter, finding the right dress for the prom might seem irrelevant. Except when it isn’t.

Care for Real, 5339 N. Sheridan Road, seeks to provide food, clothing and referral services to those in need, according to its website. The Edgewater non-profit organization also offers a free clothes closet and case-management program to help clients connect with other essential services, as well.

For the second consecutive year, that includes a selection of prom dresses, as well as shoes, jewelry and cosmetics.

“This program is not a fundraiser for Care for Real but a very special drive that a team of volunteers and supporters of our organization came up with on their own,” said Executive Director Lyle Allen. “It speaks to how our community embraces Care for Real and our clients.”

A team of Care for Real friends who wanted to give back in an impactful and meaningful way created the grassroots effort, Allen said. A total of 25 prom dresses were collected in last year’s pilot program.

Most Care for Real clients are seniors and families with children under the age of 18. Last year, he added, the organization provided free programs and services to about 100,000 people.

“As we have embarked upon 2016, and benefits are getting cut right and left, the Illinois budget crisis is causing horrific challenges for so many who live on limited incomes,” Allen said. “Sister organizations are closing their doors, laying off staff and eliminating programs, and the cost of basic life needs are on the rise.”

“These are busy times for us and, at the same time, individual and corporate donations are way down.”

For more information on how to donate, visit careforreal.org.