Rhode Island Organization Collects Prom Dresses for Young Teens

Considered a rite of passage for many teenagers, prom is a highly-anticipated event and will be here before you know it.

While many teens hit the stores to find the perfect gown, others may not be as fortunate to have the same experience. Jennifer Carter, a volunteer with Runway 401, is once again asking the community to go through their closets and find prom dress to be handed out to young teens this spring.

The event has been around for the past decade and in that time the community has provided prom dresses for hundreds of young teens. If you're looking to donate, Carter and the volunteers ask that you take a close look at the pieces you're considering.

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What to Donate to Rhode Island's Runway 401

"We're looking for dresses that have been worn over the past few years," Carter said. Runway 401 has found that updated styles and trends are most wanted and make the students feel confident and stylish. It's one of the biggest nights of the year, after all.

"Clean dresses in good condition that have been worn in the last three years," Carter said.

That's what Runway 401 is looking for; it could be a former prom dress, but not necessarily. A gala, fundraiser, wedding guest dress and more can also make for great donations.

Donate Your Prom Dress

Community establishments are helping put this event together as well. The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center has partnered with the group to assist. Local stores Michael Hayes in Newport and Stalise in Portsmouth are accepting donations.

All donations will make their way to the Newport Elks Lodge #104 and on April 2 and 3, the donations will be passed out to teens between the hours of 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"We allow anyone to come. It doesn't have to be just Newport," Carter said. "If they're a teenager and need a dress for prom, they can get one."