How to Donate Prom Dresses

The Prom is rite of passage for many American high school students. However, not everyone can afford the signature formal wear. Fortunately there are a number of organizations around the United States where underprivileged girls can find beautiful free prom dresses. If you donate a prom dress, you have a chance to give a young woman all the fun and romance of this milestone event. Read on to find out how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look in your local paper or search on line for an organization where you can donate a prom dress. Many major cities have locations where you can drop off a prom dress. Mailing a prom dress to the organization is often an option as well.

2. Watch for flyers and newspaper advertisements for "dress drives." During a dress drive, may be some additional spots where you can donate a dress. Local businesses often participate in the drives.

3. Make sure the prom dress is appropriate for a teenage girl. Usually dresses that are five years old or less are acceptable, since they are still fashionable and in good repair.

4. Check the organization's guidelines for donation. Some charities will only accept tea length or full length gowns while others may accept shorter cocktail dresses as well. Sometimes an organization will make a specific request for donations, such as for smaller or larger sizes.

5. Look over the dress to make sure it is in good condition.

6. Have a used dress cleaned before you donate it.

7. Consider donating other items like shoes, jewelry, purses, wraps or makeup. Some organizations also welcome gift certificates for restaurants or beauty salons.

8. Donate the dress well in advance of the prom. Be aware that some organizations that match girls with prom dresses have a cut-off date for donations.

9. Get a receipt so that you can apply the charitable donation to your taxes. If you are mailing the dress, include a written request for a receipt and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Tips & Warnings

• Bridesmaid dresses can double as prom dresses.

[fairygodmomLZ]

on 11/20/2008 donate your prom dress to the Fairy Godmothers Inc! www.mypromdress.org!

We hold prom fairs every year for hs girls who have finanical hardships! great cause!