SEEKONK - Since 2005 the Seekonk Post Prom Party has been an annual event aimed at helping local students continue one of the most memorable nights of their lives in a safe, alcohol and drug–free environment. Running into the morning’s early hours, the party has previously been held from both Seekonk High School and Sherwood UltraSport and includes food, music and games.

In order to keep this tradition rolling in 2010, however, the Seekonk Post Prom Committee is going to need a little help.

In past years, the post prom party committee has consisted of about 10 volunteers. Now, the group is down to four. Even though the party isn’t held until prom night, preliminary planning for the event starts early.

Jodi Anderson, a post prom party committee member, said putting the party together is a lengthy process. On top of planning the general logistics of the event, volunteers take on tasks such as organizing decorations, securing enough food for the night and making sure there’s plenty of entertainment.

There is also a need for fundraising. In past years, this effort has involved putting up flyers and going to businesses, requesting monetary or other donations, like gift cards or food. On average, about 30 to 40 different business and other groups (like school PTOs) have chipped in to help make the party an annual success.

“Seekonk is built on volunteers. Brownies, Cub Scouts, Little League, we have a high degree of volunteers in this community,” Ms. Anderson said. “We’re truly hoping there are a few people who can spare a few additional hours.”

Those who think they want to volunteer, Ms. Anderson said, should expect to spend one or two hours a month on the party from January to May. Ms. Anderson also said the committee needs to know if it has enough people sooner rather than later.

In past years, the post prom party has cost in the neighborhood of about $8,000. But this year, Ms. Anderson said the committee realizes the current economic conditions have left a strain on businesses and other groups who have donated in the past. Even if the committee can’t raise as much as they have in the past, Ms. Anderson said the group still needs to have an idea how much it can raise for planning going forward.

Still, before anything monetary can be considered, the committee needs volunteers. Currently, Ms. Anderson said the committee has a deadline of Nov. 6 where it will decide if the event proceeds forward for another year or is canceled for 2010.

“We basically have to know very soon if we’re going to have the assistance we need,” Ms. Anderson said.

Anyone interested in helping out can e-mail Ms. Anderson at postpromshs2010@comcast.net