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, they probably 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. Remember Pretty in Pink?
I got thinking about this topic after reading about Becky 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 in the organization that bears her name: their are chapters all over the country. Each chapter handles its own donations and distribution.
Operation Prom
This multi-state organization not only collects dresses and accessories for girls wanting to attend prom, but also helps out guys in financial need with the cost of tuxedo rental (which can be pricey, too). 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 Closet focuses 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
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.
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!!!
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 contact sherrieann.sunshinepals@gmail.com
Hello,
Can you advise if any organizations are accepting formal gowns for donation in the boca Raton Florida area?
Thank you,
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?
My wife has numerous formal gowns different colors, lightly used. She will never need them again. A place to donate them? Trexlertown, Pa.
I collect dresses to help girls for prom. I will have close to 200 dresses. Accessories and shoes too. I also have suits, shirts and ties for the boys. How can I get them to kids who need them?
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.
I am looking for prom dresses for students with needs.
I have 3 or more if you want them
I have been looking for some place to drop off two prom dresses in Indiana. I know there has been “shopping” days around prom time in my city. However, I am not finding anywhere to take them. I live in Indianapolis, IN
I have 3 maybe more gowns to give away
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I live in Santa Clarita California and have a prom dress that my daughter bought but didn’t wear it. It still has the tags on it and has never been worn. It’s from macys and the price tag says $179.00 but I’m sure it was on sale. I would love to give it to someone who needs one. It’s a size 7 and it’s floor length. It even has pockets which are not noticeable. It’s red satin and has a built in bra.
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.
Hello my name is Elaine nd I work for a school district in New Mexico. We have been trying to provide Prom apparel, both male and female to high school students. Since Covid, our inventory has been running low on donations. I am looking for ideas on how to do a community event for donations. Ideas for: Theme, raffle items, and event vendors. I do not have a budget and wanted to do this on a non-profit dime.
Does anyone have any ideas
Hi, Elaine. I have an exquisite dress my daughter wore for prom. I live in Santa Fe and could have the dress here on March 5. Please let me know if you are interested and how I might get the dress to you.
I live in Jackson MS I have 7 prom dresses to donate but I don’t know where to go
I am looking to donate in Dalton, GA
I am looking to donate in Lincoln, Nebraska. Do you know of any organizations that might be needing dresses/growns.
Sue