Donate New or Gently Used Items for Annual ‘Project Prom Dress’

Attending prom is a big milestone for high school students and Montgomery County Recreation is working to make that dream a reality. The department is collecting gently used and new dresses, suits and accessories that students will be able to choose from during the third “Project Prom Dress” giveaway event.

From Monday, Feb. 12, through Thursday, Feb. 29, dresses, suits and accessories can be donated at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.

Donations should be cleaned garments—made in 2010 to present—in wearable condition.

“Celebrating prom is a ‘rite of passage’ for many students, unfortunately the high cost of prom apparel and accessories prohibit many students from participating,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “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.”

More than 160 students attended the event in 2023.

Montgomery County Recreation will also host special collection dates on:

• Saturday, March 2. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase
• Saturday, March 9. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown

Once collected, items will be dry cleaned and displayed in a special formal boutique that will be held at the center. Any high school student, just by showing their I.D. card, will be able to “shop the racks” and select one outfit for free from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center.

Project Prom Dress seeks to eliminate the financial obstacle of attending prom, which for many students, turns out to be one of the most memorable days of high school. View photos from last year’s giveaway event through Montgomery County Recreation’s Flickr album.