For students looking to freshen up their look for an upcoming school dance, Reston Community Center (RCC) has you covered.
The community center will bring back its annual Diva Central Formal and Prom Dress Giveaway for a 23rd year on Saturday, March 22. The one-day-only event at RCC Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza North) offers students an opportunity to pick out formal clothes and accessories for free.
“In addition to making prom more accessible, we hope that Diva Central helps students feel valued,” RCC Board Chair Beverly Cosham said in a press release. “This event is designed to empower students by allowing them to choose a dress that makes them feel their best. Our goal is to enhance their sense of self-worth long after the event has concluded.”
The dresses, shoes, jewelry and other items provided at the giveaway were all donated in February during a month-long Diva Central Dress Drive. The RCC says it received “hundreds” of new and gently used items, so participants should have a varied selection of sizes and styles to choose from.
The giveaway will be open to all middle and high school students, who can each select up to two outfits. Volunteers will be on site for any teens who need assistance.
There will also be “sweet treats,” giveaways and other activities throughout the day.
According to RCC, the goal of the event is to help alleviate some costs of prom for families that might struggle to afford the clothes, hairstyling, transportation and other expenses associated with the school tradition.
“This event not only showcases community spirit but also promotes sustainability in fashion by encouraging the reuse and repurposing of clothing, aligning with Gen Z’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” RCC said.
To promote the giveaway, the community center has placed mannequins outfitted in donated dresses and accessories in its facilities and in South Lakes High School’s main office.
“These mini fashion installations serve as a visual representation of the community’s collaboration and support, as well as an open invitation for participation,” RCC said.
Outside of Reston, prospective prom attendees can also check out the annual prom dress shop at Centreville High School, whose marketing students have partnered with Chantilly Academy’s Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program to run the initiative since 2006.
Opened for this spring on March 7, the shop will return on April 4 from 5-8 p.m., April 5 from 2-5 p.m. and April 6 from 1-4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off during shop hours and at the Centreville High School main office on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
