Prom Boutique still accepting donations

LONG BRANCH — Family & Children’s Service (FCS) is enlisting the help of local businesses for this year’s annual prom event, “Countless Dresses, Countless Memories.”

Dozens of dresses, shoes and accessories have already been donated to the agency, and more are expected before the weeklong sale begins on Saturday, April 2, at the FCS Thrift Boutique in Long Branch.

Young women looking for the perfect prom outfit can shop with confidence, knowing that all of the merchandise will be clean, thanks to Long Branch business owners Michael and Janice Conte. The owners of Darla’s Cleaners on Branchport Avenue have agreed to dry clean the donated dresses for free.

“We wanted to do something to help support the agency,” Michael said. “It’s a great organization, and this is something that we are happy to do.”

Other groups have also offered to pitch in. Volunteers from area Old Navy stores will be at the thrift store the day before the event to help transform a section of the Thrift Boutique into a Prom Boutique.

FCS Volunteer Services Manager Samantha White said response has been very good.

“A number of organizations have downloaded the information from our website and are sponsoring dress drives in their school or church,” she said. “We expect to have a great selection of merchandise on hand when our doors open on April 2.”

During the event, young shoppers will be able to purchase a prom gown or dress for $15, or they can purchase a complete ensemble, including dress, shoes and accessories, for just $20.

Every young woman is welcome to shop at the Prom Boutique, regardless of income, according to a press release from FCS.

Donations for the sale are being accepted through Saturday, March 26, at the FCS Thrift Boutique, 307 Branchport Ave. in Long Branch, or at the agency’s headquarters at 191 Bath Ave., also in Long Branch.

Needed items include new or gently used formal gowns and dresses in all sizes, formal shoes and sandals, formal purses and clutches, jewelry and hair accessories.

For more information, contact White at 732-222-9111, ext. 152.