Every year for the last several years, Rustin, East, and Henderson students, current and past, have been digging through their closets and parting ways with their old prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. The items are then gathered and staged in each school’s library. In the weeks before the big dance, the libraries transform into impromptu “Prom Shops,” whose merchandise is free for the taking.
“The kids really appreciate it and some beautiful dresses are donated each year,” said West Chester Area School District Communication Manager Molly Schwemler.
The tradition is continuing this year with all shops reportedly open to shoppers. “Thank you so much for reaching out and shouting out our prom shops. The shop at East High School is up and running,” said East Librarian Adrienne Matjasic. East will be accepting donations through April 26.
Dresses welcome
“We’re up and running now! Still receiving donations,” added Rustin Librarian Sarah Krause. “We do dresses, accessories and shoes. The kids seem to enjoy browsing already!”
Henderson Librarian Cathy Jakubowski also has her shop open as well and says she is always open to donations. “I pretty much collect donations year-round for both prom and homecoming,” she says but she prefers to stick to dresses and accessories finding unclaimed shoes too hard to store.
New and gently used prom donations can be dropped off during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 2:15) at the front office of any of the three area high schools.
East and Rustin’s Junior Proms will be held on April 13. Henderson will hold its Junior prom on May 4. East will hold its Senior Prom on May 3 while Rustin and Henderson will hold theirs on May 17.
Originally published on Mar. 15, 2024
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