2018 Prom Season: Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York

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Between hair styling, makeup, gowns, tickets, and rides to prom, teens are spending an average of more than $600 on prom, according to Yahoo Style’s 2017 Prom Across America survey.  These sky-high costs put this American rite of passage out of reach some families, or put a financial strain on already tight budgets, especially for families of seniors who often have college tuition looming in the near future.

Fortunately, there are several special local groups and organizations that have been created to support students and make prom dreams come true to those who may not be able to afford a dress for prom. There are programs in Rochester, Buffalo, and Alfred that host huge events all to give every girl in our community the opportunity to experience prom.

Local generosity and support of these kinds of events if crucial, so after prom consider donating your daughters gown to one of these great organizations. It really affords low-income families the opportunity be able to participate in special events leading up to their graduation from high school.

2019 Prom Season: Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York

Rochester

Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester
The goal of the Fairy Godmothers of Greater Rochester is to ensure every young lady in the community has the opportunity to experience their high school prom feeling like a princess and that they are the most important in the world if only for that moment. Self-esteem and inner strength is what we advocate for each and every young lady by providing them with a personal shopper and a “Cinderella” like experience at our annual Prom Dress Fair.
Every young lady leaves with an evening gown, accessories and a goody bag so they are ready for the big event. This is a high-quality program, with over 3,000 dresses – nearly 50% are brand new – ranging from size 0 to 38. Because this is such a personalized experience girls are asked to register through their high school guidance counselor.

*Date: Saturday – March 30, 2019
*Address: Rochester Riverside Convention Center 123 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
*Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

*Official WebsiteFairy Godmother’s of Greater Rochester 

Allegany County

Project Prom Dress Extravaganza 2019
A student-driven initiative, Project Prom Dress is in its 6th year and has grown tremendously, thanks to the dedication of the sisters of Delta Chi Omega. throughout the year the society works hard collecting new or gently used prom gowns, shoes, and accessories from local bridal shops and individuals.
In April, Delta Chi Omega invites high school students from Allegany County and surrounding areas to come to their extravaganza event at Alfred State, where they can choose a gown free of charge.

*Date: Sunday, April 14 2019
*Address: Pioneer Center on the Alfred campus. -10 Upper College Dr Alfred, NY 14802
*Time: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
*Official Webpage: http://www.alfredstate.edu/news/2019-01-30/project-prom-dress-set-april-14
*Contact: For more information, please contact Alfred State Event Concierge Sandra Burdick at [email protected] or at 607-587-4098.

Wayne County

Macedon

Sew What Custom Sewing

Sew What Custom Sewing in Macedon wants to ensure that every young lady has the opportunity to attend school Formals, Proms and or participate in the Wayne County Fair scholarship program.  They understand that the cost of the gown can stand in the way of joining in on the fun.

Sew What Custom Sewing wants to help by providing gently used gowns and new sample dresses with alterations for those living in Wayne County that meet eligibility requirements.

Please call Sew What at 315-573-8351 during normal business hours (which are Wednesday through Friday 9 to 4 and Saturday 9 to 2) to ask to speak with Misty.

They are also available by appointment during the evening hours please allow an hour and a half for fittings and shopping. At the corner of 31F and Canandaigua rd in Macedon.

*Date: Business Hours: Wednesday through Friday 9 to 4, and Saturday 9 to 2
*Address: 1208 Macedon Center Rd. Macedon NY.
*More Information: https://www.facebook.com/misty.currington.714/posts/163561491086296
*Contact:  315-573-8351 ask to speak with Misty.

Ontario

Kimmie’s Closet is sponsoring a community project by giving away free prom dresses to those who meet qualifications.  Owner Kim said she never went to her prom and would like to help girls “fulfill her dream of going to the prom.”   She has many to choose from in her collection. To qualify, the girl must have a B or above school average (85 or above) and can be from any school district. For more details about obtaining a free prom dress please call 585-851-1468.

*Date: Business Hours Monday through Saturday 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday 12 – 5 pm.
*Address: 1998 Ridge Rd., Ontario
*More Information: http://ontarionychamber.org/kimmies-closet-offering-free-prom-dresses/https://www.facebook.com/kimmiescloset1/
*Contact: 585-851-1468 -or- [email protected]

Buffalo

Colvin Cleaners’ annual event  Gowns for Prom enables young ladies in need to select the prom gown of their dreams. Colvin Cleaners collects, dry cleans and tailors prom gowns for young ladies in the Western New York community.

All young ladies in WNY are welcome to come to Shea’s during Gowns for Prom to select a gown. You must bring your student ID and present it before you are able to get a gown.
New gowns are put out every day of the event, so there is always a fresh selection of gowns.
Sign up in the form below if you will be attending the Gowns for Prom event in 2018 to get a gown.

*Dates: April 15th, 16th, & 17th 2019
*Time: 3 PM to 8 PM
*Address: Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14202
*Official Webpage: https://www.gownsforprom.com/get-a-gown
*Contact: 716.873.2952

Gasport

Becca’s Closet, Gasport NY Chapter

The Women Helping Others organization at Zion Lutheran Church in Gasport run this chapter of Becca’s Closet and they have hundreds of slightly used or new prom dresses to distribute at NO COST to girls in need in the area who would otherwise find it difficult or impossible to attend their prom. Girls do need to schedule an appointment with personalized “shopper”, but there are many dates available for giveaways.

Event Dates & Locations:

February 21st 10am – 2pm
Zion Lutheran Church
4447 Central Avenue, Gasport, NY

February 24th 11am – 7pm
Becca’s Closet
2107 Liberty Dr, Wheatfield, NY

March 10th 10am – 2pm
Zion Lutheran Church
4447 Central Avenue, Gasport, NY

March 17th 10am – 2pm
Becca’s Closet
2107 Liberty Dr, Wheatfield, NY

March 23rd 5pm – 8pm
Zion Lutheran Church
4447 Central Avenue, Gasport, NY

April 6th 1pm – 7pm
Becca’s Closet
2107 Liberty Dr, Wheatfield, NY

*Official WebpageBecca’s Closet
*Contact: Paula Travis at [email protected] or 716.957.8157.

4 girls in prom gowns facing away from camera holding hands

Do you know of a Prom Dress Donation Program I missed? Comment below or email the details to [email protected] and I will be sure to get all the information added to this post!

Don’t forget to share this, every girl deserves to feel like a princess on prom night!

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