Be a Good Beauty Citizen: Donate Your Prom Dress

It's the middle of the summer, so we're sort if in the off-season for formal/semi-formal dances.  But that doesn't mean that you can't do something good with your prom dress.  You've already gotten some joy out of it, but are you going to wear it again?  If the answer is “no,” why don't you consider donating it?  After all, the prom is a rite of passage for many high school girls.  But not everyone can afford a beautiful piece of formal wear.  There are a number of organizations around the country (probably one near you!) that take prom dress donations.  Here are a few things you should remember before you donate your prom dress.

• Make sure the prom dress that you're donating is still fairly current.  Ideally, you want the dress to be fewer than five years old.

• Some donation organizations have guidelines.  Some might only accept tea length or full length gowns.  Check that out before you make your donation.

• Make sure the dress is in good condition.  Nobody's going to want your soda-stained prom gown.

• If you see something wrong with it, take it to the cleaner's before you donate it.

• See if the donation organization will take other prom items like jewelry, shoes, purses, or wraps.

• Donate the dress well before prom season.  Girls will need time to shop!

• You can get a receipt so you can apply the charitable donation to your taxes.  Win-win.