Allegheny County Collecting Prom Dresses

Allegheny County is collecting unwanted or gently used formal dresses to donate to underprivileged teens who need something nice to wear to prom but otherwise couldn't afford them.

The county’s Department of Human Services is collecting the dresses from now until late March when it will allow the teens to browse the hangers for the dresses of their dreams.

Spokesman Jonathan McKain said the department has helped more than 1,500 girls since the program began in 2003. It also has assisted about 300 boys with tuxedo rentals through gift certificates.

“It’s been pretty successful,” McKain said. “It’s for people who may otherwise might not be able to go to the prom with the cost of some of these dresses. This allows them to be able to experience the night.”

Those interested in donating their dresses can drop them off at the county’s Human Services Building on Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh or at along Route 19 in Wexford.

The county will then go through the dresses and put them on display March 29 -31 at Century III Mall. McKain said they also are collecting any unwanted dress shoes and accessories to go with the formal attire.

“We want to create more of a retail environment,” McKain said. “The folks will be able to go out there and pick through the dresses and find something they like.”

For more information on the dress drive or eligibility requirements, go to the county’s PromProject website.