To students, the one to two months left until prom may seem like a lifetime away, but for anyone looking to get a head start on picking out their outfit, Reston Community Center (RCC) is once again here to help.
RCC’s annual Diva Central shopping event will return to its Lake Anne facility (1609-A Washington Plaza North) for a 24th year on March 14.
Scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event is open to all middle and high school students aged 12 to 18, giving them an opportunity to sort through new and gently used dresses, shoes and accessories donated by the community.
In addition to helping students whose families might not be able to afford expensive gowns, the tradition encourages a sustainable approach to fashion, RCC said when announcing last year’s Diva Central, which was attended by 330 people.
While the collection sites at RCC’s Lake Anne and Hunters Woods facilities closed at the end of February, the community center is teaming up with the South Lakes Village Shopping Center for a final donation event tomorrow (Saturday).
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., community members can drop off “new or gently loved” formalwear and accessories at the shopping center (11120 South Lakes Drive). Music, light snacks and “prom-themed activations” will lend the occasion a festive atmosphere.
Accepted items include formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, shawls, handbags and other accessories.
“Items must be in good condition, less than five years old, and dry cleaned,” the event page says.
Prom dates vary between different schools, but for seniors at Reston’s South Lakes High School, the big dance is coming up fast: it will take place on April 18 at the Westfields Marriott hotel in Chantilly.
