Prom Dress Drive seeking donations

WEBUTUCK — Webutuck High School has teamed with the Council on Addiction Prevention & Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County to offer juniors and seniors an alternative way of acquiring prom dresses this season.The Prom Dress Drive will encourage students to donate their old gowns and pick up a new one if needed.CAPE Community Educator Nichole McGivern is working with Rachel Biscwglie, CAPE’s student assistance counselor at Webutuck, and High School Principal Ken Sauer to organize the drive.“The twist with this dress drive is that we will be attaching an educational card to each dress. This card will focus on the risks and effects of substance use and underage drinking,” said McGivern.Anyone is welcome to donate all types of dresses.“Prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, evening gowns, cocktail dresses — we know that everyone has a different idea of what they hope to wear to their high school prom,” she said.Dresses can be brought to the high school directly.“The office staff at Webutuck has been very helpful with accepting dresses and making sure they get to Ms. Bisceglie for storage until distribution happens in April,” she said.McGivern also noted that if it is impossible to get to the high school, arrangements can be made to pick up a dress by contacting her directly.Donations will be accepted through Friday, April 13.“Currently we have a variety of sizes, lengths and colors. All sizes and colors are welcome. We do ask that any donated dresses are freshly cleaned and tear free,” she said.Students who are in need of a dress can speak with Bisceglie; they will be asked to fill out a slip of paper with information regarding free periods. The slip is then distributed in a shoe box to help keep the information confidential.“We are going to use a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution will occur April 18 through the 27,” she said.The organizers are also seeking help from local businesses, in hopes they will donate services to help cut the costs for those attending the prom.“Any business that would like to offer a discount on their services ­— such as tailoring and cleaning — we would be happy to promote their business during our event,” she said.McGivern can be reached by phone at 845-765-8301, ext. 104. Visit www.capedc.org or www.facebook.com/capedc for more information.

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