The 12th Annual Diva Central prom dress drive kicks off on Friday, Jan. 3. Photo by Jim Kirby
The 12th Annual Diva Central prom dress drive kicks off on Friday, Jan. 3, when Reston Community Center will begin collecting dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags, shawls and other accessories for students in the greater Reston area. Donations are tax deductible and may be dropped off daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods facility through Friday, Feb. 7. All donations are appreciated but should be in good condition, no older than five-years-old (circa 2009), and should be dry cleaned before donation. If dry cleaning is not possible, please indicate at the time of drop-off. Dress donations will benefit students in Fairfax County and other surrounding areas.
Since 2003, Diva Central’s mission has been to promote confidence and self-esteem by providing free prom dresses to area high school girls. Each year, RCC collects gently-used and dry-cleaned dresses at donation sites around Reston, and local sponsors donate gift certificates and other prom-related services to help the students create a truly memorable night.
This year’s prom dress giveaway event is planned for Saturday, March 8, from 12 to 6 p.m. at RCC Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza in Reston. All local high school students are invited to attend and "shop" for dresses, shoes and other accessories for free.
"Prom is an event that many teens look forward to all year, but it is also an event that can burden families with expenses for formal wear, accessories, a meal, transportation and more," said RCC Teen Program Director Kenny Burrowes. "Through Diva Central, RCC helps teens look forward to the prom night of their dreams, complete with the perfect dress and accessories, but without those costs."
For further information, or to become involved as a volunteer or sponsor, contact the RCC Teen Director at 703-390-6158 or Kenny.Burrowes@fairfaxcounty.gov.