×

Ready For Prom

Hundreds Of Dresses Available To High School Girls

Hundreds of prom dresses are once again available to local high school girls. For a third year, Diana Scott of Studio D Catering in Jamestown has been collecting an assortment of dresses to give away for this year’s prom. The dresses are available at the Dykemen Gallery located on the third floor of 100 E. Second St. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

For the past three years, Diana Scott of Studio D Catering has been collecting hundreds of dresses to help girls attend prom.

The dresses, donated through a variety of sources locally and across the country, now amount to anywhere from 400 to 600 and are again available free to local high school girls.

The dresses will be available every Thursday and Friday from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 25.

The giveaway — now in its third year — will be held at the Dykemen Gallery located on the third floor of 100 E. Second St. in downtown Jamestown. It’s the first year the giveaway will be held in the building.

“There aren’t many places around here that sell prom dresses,” Scott said. “Kids have problems trying to figure out how to get to Erie to shop.”

Those who pick out a free dress are asked to write a Thank You note to the donor of the clothing item. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

Scott, with the help of several volunteers, have been turning the gallery space into a makeshift store.

Anyone in need of a dress for prom is able to stop by “no questions asked.” There is no cost to pick one up; Scott only asks that a Thank You card be written that she will then mail to the person who donated each dress.

The idea to start the “Prom Dress Giveaway” was born a few years ago when Scott overheard high school girls talk about attending prom. The girls wanted to go to the big event but did not have the means of buying a dress.

“Girls should have the opportunity to go,” Scott said. “Back in the day you had to have a date. Now the girls go together. It’s an opportunity for girls who never had the chance.”

Through her catering business and word of mouth, Scott has amassed hundreds of dresses in all shapes and colors. Sizes range from zero to 26.

P-J photo by Eric Tichy

In the last two years, Scott estimates more than 250 dresses have been given away to local high school girls. She said students from Warren County, Pa., have stopped by.

“It’s open to anyone who needs a dress,” said Scott, who asks that an adult be present when shopping.

Follow Eric Tichy at twitter.com/erictichy

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today