It’s prom season, and no one’s giving any thought to the fact that all of the guys who show up are wearing used clothes. Renting a tuxedo is part of the experience for high school boys; the girls, however, generally go shopping and lay out several hundred dollars for a dress they’ll wear once. True, theyprobably won’t end up in landfills, but this still strikes me as an inefficient use of resources… especially when there are plenty of young ladies out there that would love to get their hands on a used dress for cheap or free. RememberPretty in Pink?
I got thinking about this topic after reading aboutBecky Hayden, a high school math teacher in Thousand Oaks, California, who runs her own “lending library” for prom dresses. In her nine years of offering this service, Hayden’s collected around 300 dresses, but always has need for more. And even though she allows students from schools other than her own Moorpark High School to borrow dresses, she’s still running a pretty localized effort.
So, I got to digging around for places to which readers could donate prom dresses in their own communities, and found there are a number of organizations that have spread out to multiple locations. Here’s what I found for donating a dress, or picking one up for free (or close to it) – if you know of other organizations offering such a service, let us know about them in the comments.
Donate Prom Dresses (or Pick One Up for Use) at One of these Organizations
Fairy Godmothers, Inc.
With six locations around the US (mostly in the East),Fairy Godmothers, Inc., exists to “help provide a special high school prom experience for qualified high school girls whose financial situations are such as otherwise would preclude their ability to attend…” In addition to dresses, the organization also provides shoes and accessories.
Becca’s Closet
Before she died in a car accident at the age of 16, Rebecca Kirtman had started a “dress drive” to collect dresses and accessories for fellow students who couldn’t otherwise afford them. Becca’s efforts live on inthe organizationthat bears her name: their are chapters all over the country. Each chapter handles its own donations and distribution.
Operation Prom
Thismulti-state organization不仅为想要参加舞会的女孩们收集礼服和配饰,而且还帮助有经济需求的男孩支付租赁晚礼服的费用(这可能也很昂贵)。Take a look at some of the kids they’ve helped:
Project G.L.A.M.
A project of international non-profit WGIRLS,Project G.L.A.M.provides prom dresses as a part of its broader mission to “provide underprivileged women and children with the support and resources necessary to achieve health, happiness, and the ability to lead productive and successful adult lives.”
Cinderella’s Closet
Started as a project of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, KY, and now run through churches in a number of states,Cinderella’s Closetfocuses on providing more than a dress: “From the moment our princesses dance through our doors they are greeted with an environment of grace, love and respect. It is our mission that they leave knowing they are cherished.”
Photo credit:Shutterstock
Duane Nicolsays
Very cool concept. There are many single wear clothing needs, for example bride’s maid dresses. This is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of “prom” not to mention a great social equalizer – ie making sure that even kids from lower income families can participate.
Meghansays
I had not even considered brides maids dresses for some reason. Maybe because I have had cool brides that gave us a color and let us pick anything we wanted as long as it was that color. And I may have worn one of the black ones to a schmancy Christmas party. But they are all beautiful, and totally cute enough to wear to prom.
Super good call!!!
Sherrie-Ann Martinsays
Sunshine Pals is currently in the process of collecting prom dress and monetary donations for the 2016 Prom Boutique. The Prom Boutique is a wonderful outreach which provides free gowns, free hair styling, and free make-up services to students in need from Southwest Philadelphia. If you’d like to learn more or are interested in donating, please visit the webpage (http://sunshinepalsministry.org/) or contactsherrieann.sunshinepals@gmail.com
Angelasays
Hello,
Can you advise if any organizations are accepting formal gowns for donation in the boca Raton Florida area?
Thank you,
Kathy Bennettsays
I am looking for a location in the Kansas City area to donate dresses with covd I’m having a hard time finding anywhere can you help?
john thomassays
My wife has numerous formal gowns different colors, lightly used. She will never need them again. A place to donate them? Trexlertown, Pa.
Pamsays
我收集礼服是为了帮助参加舞会的女孩们。我会有将近200件裙子。还有配饰和鞋子。我也为男孩们准备了西装、衬衫和领带。我怎样才能把它们送给需要它们的孩子呢?
Amanda Saffiansays
Hello, I am looking to donate 15 pairs of shoes for senior prom and have a difficult time finding a place in Austin, Texas. Shoes are in exellant condition.
Lisa Harleysays
I am looking for prom dresses for students with needs.
michelle murraysays
I have 3 or more if you want them
Chris Hackertsays
我一直在找地方把两件毕业舞会礼服送到印第安纳州。我知道在我住的城市,毕业舞会前后会有“购物”的日子。但是,我没有找到任何地方可以带它们去。I live in Indianapolis, IN
michelle murraysays
I have 3 maybe more gowns to give away
Stacy Dovesays
We are starting “The Promise Room” in Sweetwater Texas. We are looking for prom dresses for young ladies that may not be able to otherwise afford them.