Prom dress donations sought

The sale, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Drive, is free to attend.

"This is a way to recycle and give back to the girls in the community," said Christine Keith, event organizer. "It's also a lot of fun."

Last year's event drew about 350 teens and parents during the four-hour event and more than 100 dresses were purchased.

"The girls are buying them for prom, dances, weddings and promotions," said Keith. "We are happy to be able to provide dresses at an affordable price."

New and gently used dresses, shoes, purses and accessories are welcomed as donations from women and other teens in the valley to meet the need.

Accessories, including shoes, purses and jewelry, are usually priced at $3.

Donations may be dropped off at two sites that have agreed to collect them: Curves, at 1108 12th St., open daily, and Valley Christian Church thrift shop at 975 Indian Creek Drive, open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Small dress sizes are appreciated with both current and retro dress styles accepted.

The event represents a win-win-win for the community with closets cleared, youth groups supported and teen girls happy with an opportunity to own attractive and stylish gowns at an affordable cost.

For anyone wishing to donate, the Dress for Less volunteers will happily arrange to pick up gowns and other items if needed.

Those wishing to receive more information on the event or contest (below) can phone Jessie Page at 541-387-8811 or Christine Keith at 541-490-1632.

Contest for Cash

A new twist has been added to the annual Dress for Less recycled prom fashion sales event, whose organizers hope to ensure that every Hood River Valley young lady has a beautiful dress for the prom.

"The youth group or organization that collects the most donated formal and semi-formal dresses will receive $100 to support their organization," said Keith.

"We are working on increasing donations and we came up with a friendly competition to help," she added.

All organizations wishing to participate in the contest need to collect and turn in their dresses by April 1. Contact Keith at christinekeith@gorge.net.