The county’s recreation department is currently collecting new and gently used evening gowns to distribute to young women who’d like to go to a prom but may not be able to afford a dress.
The “Say Yes to the Dress” campaign will allow high school juniors and seniors, many of who can’t afford the average $600 spent on proms (according to USA Today), the chance to shop for donated gowns.
“The past couple of years, our young people have lost out on many special events such as graduations, homecomings and proms,” County Recreation Director Robin Riley said in a press release. “I am proud of all of the work our recreation staff do to make positive changes in the lives of teens and that we are providing an opportunity for girls to have a prom dress, so they feel good about attending their prom.”
The most convenient drop-off center for local readers is the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. The center is accepting donations Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other drop-off locations and times are:
- Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Rd., Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Jane Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Bethesda, Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Rd., Saturday, March 19. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and
- Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Rd., Rockville, Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All donations will be dry cleaned and sent to the Praisner center, where girls will be able to shop and select a dress for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
Montgomery County photo
👗 @MoCoRec's Praisner's Project Prom Dress donation drive is in full swing! Gently used or new evening dresses can be dropped off to Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center now through March 31, at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. pic.twitter.com/wJ8jJ5pZ94
— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) March 6, 2022