Montgomery County Recreation is currently accepting donations of gently used and new dresses, suits, and accessories for students to select from during the third “Project Prom Dress” giveaway event.
Project Prom Dress aims to remove financial barriers to prom attendance, ensuring that this memorable high school experience is accessible to all students.
Donations of dresses, suits, and accessories can be made at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville through Thursday, Feb. 29. The center is open for donations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
“Celebrating prom is a ‘rite of passage’ for many students, unfortunately the high cost of prom apparel and accessories prohibit many students from participating,” County Executive Marc Elrich said this week. “I am grateful for the efforts of our Department of Recreation’s ‘Project Prom Dress’ to provide dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry and other items to students in need. However, for us to provide this opportunity to as many students as we can, we are requesting new or gently used items to be donated to us. Every student deserves the right to attend their prom. I encourage any resident or business with prom related items to donate to us and help provide this memorable experience to our young adults.”
All donated items should be cleaned garments, manufactured between 2010 to the present, and in wearable condition. In 2023, over 160 students participated in the event.
Montgomery County Recreation has also scheduled special collection dates on Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center in Chevy Chase, and on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Germantown Community Recreation Center.
Once collected, the items will undergo dry cleaning and be showcased in a dedicated formal boutique at the center. High school students can choose one outfit for free by presenting their I.D. card and “shop the racks” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center.
Photo: © Iuliia – stock.adobe.com