Operation Prom is in need of gowns, tuxedos for students in need; where to donate

Heather Clark, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
·2 min read

As prom season begins after two years of the pandemic, a local nonprofit that — since 2005 — has provided free gowns and tuxedos to students in need, finds itself in need this year.

A flood in September destroyed thousands of the dresses, tuxedos and other garments Operation Prom had in their storage space, so the organization is seeking donations to meet this season's demand.

In this 2019 file photo, two teens browse prom dresses during the 15th annual Operation Prom at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
In this 2019 file photo, two teens browse prom dresses during the 15th annual Operation Prom at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

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While renovations on its Westchester base continue, they've partnered with the Ethan Allen Furniture Showroom in Hartsdale to accept donations. Until April 30, donations of tuxedos, prom dresses and accessories will be accepted at 152 South Central Ave.

The nonprofit and its partners will then distribute the donations to Westchester County teens. One of Operation Prom's Partners, Port Chester nonprofit the Sharing Shelf, will host Teen Boutiques featuring promwear, basic wardrobe needs and more for local students.

"Our goal with Teen Boutique is to empower them, to give them the joy of shopping and choosing their own wardrobe," Deborah Blatt, executive director of the Sharing Shelf, said.

The Sharing Shelf has three upcoming Teen Boutiques featuring formalwear: April 30 at the Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry; May 14 at the Parent Center in Peekskill; and June 11 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck.

In this 2019 file photo, volunteers and shoppers check out prom dresses during the 15th annual Operation Prom.
In this 2019 file photo, volunteers and shoppers check out prom dresses during the 15th annual Operation Prom.

Westchester County high school seniors, with a valid ID, can also purchase $10 prom dresses at Maizie Consignment Boutique in Scarsdale. There are no tuxedos. Students can purchase one dress per ID, student or otherwise, until May 7. Maizie Consignment Boutique is located at 511 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. and is closed Monday.

Operation Prom National Network, Inc., based in the Westchester County Center, has helped local teenagers find their perfect dress or tuxedo for free. The nonprofit currently has locations in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas..

For more information, including future events, visit promnationalnetwork.org or email info@HelpProm.org.

Heather Clark covers business openings and closings throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Keep up on the latest comings and goings by joining our Facebook group at What's going there Westchester, Rockland, Putnam. Contact Clark via email, hclark@lohud.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: With prom season ramping up, Operation Prom is in need of donations