Panama’s National Honor Society will be holding its annual Prom Dress Giveaway this weekend. Submitted photo

PANAMA — It is that time of the year with prom and other dance related events are on tap, and Panama Central School is set to host their Prom Dress Giveaway event again this weekend.

The event is put on by Panama’s National Honor Society and will be held at the school on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is called “Say Yes to the Dress”, and offers a variety of dress styles along with men’s items, accessories and a limited amount of shoes. All items are free and people can take multiple items, with items for all ages. Items available do not necessarily have to be used just for dances and can be used for Halloween costumes or for school musicals or other events where dressing up is required.

Co-chair of the event, Autumn Rumaihi, who was also a co-chair last year, said she likes to do this event as a way to give back to the community.

“I really like helping the community find dresses at a cheaper price than in stores,” Rumaihi said. “It gives people a cheaper option if those dresses are out of their budget.”

Rumaihi’s junior co-chair, Aniela Becker noted that this is the fourth year Panama’s NHS has done this event.

“This prom dress giveaway is a great opportunity for teenagers who may not have the money to treat themselves to a trendy, name-brand dress,” Becker said. “The event also gives a second life to dresses that would usually sit in a closet after being used once.”

Preparing for the event consisted of finding dates that worked for everyone involved, as it is a busy time of year, creating a flyer and coordinating where dresses and items will be hung up. Rumaihi added that they still had plenty of dresses and items donated from years prior.

“It’s a good way to give back to the community,” Rumaihi said. “People can find dresses within their budget, instead of having to go to a store and buy one, since it is a busy time of year, especially for seniors.”

She added that people will be able to come out and find dresses of all types, sizes and styles. The event promises a good time and atmosphere, Rumaihi said.

“Everything is free and there is something for all ages,” Rumahi said. “There’s a variety of options for whatever people might want.”