Old prom dresses get new life

Give that old prom dress a second life with the Monmouth County Library and pick up a free dress for this year’s prom!

According to a press release, last year’s “Sweet Seconds Prom Dress Swap” sponsored by the Monmouth County Library Teen and Young Adult Program was such a success that this year it will be held in three locations — the Hazlet branch, Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury, and the Howell branch — on three weekends in March.

The swap is open to all Monmouth County residents, according to Stephenie Acosta, program coordinator. Anyone living in the county can attend any of the swap events but participants must preregister so that there will be enough dresses available.

The Prom Swap at the Hazlet branch, 251 Middle Road, is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Contact 732- 264-7164 to preregister for the Hazlet event.

The Prom Swap at the Eastern Branch at 1001 Route 35 in Shrewsbury is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, from noon to 4 p.m. Call 732-683-8980 to preregister.

Here’s how the swap works: Donate a gently worn gown or formal dress. After dropping off a dress, the donor must then register for one of the three events in order to pick up a “new” gown at the event.

The library system is currently accepting donated prom gowns and formal dresses at the three branches until Friday, Feb. 26, and donations are welcome even if the donor does not want to participate in the swap.

Donated dresses must not be more than four years old, clean and in pristine condition, on a hanger and preferably in a dry-cleaning bag. The library will also accept all types of accessories such as jewelry, handbags, etc. Shoes must be like new and in a box or clear zipper bag.

Any resident who does not have a dress to swap, but is interested in participating in either event, must still preregister. Availability may be limited, based on donations, Acosta said, “So we are really seeking dress donations for the month of February. The more we get, the more teens can take part in the swap.”

Dresses or accessories left over at the end of the event will be donated to a local charity.

For more information, contact Acosta at [email protected].