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Give that old prom dress a sweet second life with the Monmouth County Library – and pick up a free dress for this year's prom!
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 Howell and Hazlet branches and the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury – 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 pre-register so that there will be enough dresses available.
The Prom Swap at the Howell branch, 318 Old Tavern Road, will be held Saturday, March 6, from noon to 4 p.m. Please contact 732-938-2300 ext 4, to pre-register for the Howell event.
The Prom Swap at the Hazlet branch, 251 Middle Road, is scheduled for Saturday March 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Please contact 732 264-7164 to pre-register 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. Please call 732-683-8980 to pre-register.
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 Howell and Hazlet branches and the Eastern Branch. Donations will be accepted 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 pre-register. 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.”
Any dresses or accessories left over at the end of the event will be donated to a local charity.
For more information, please contact Teen and Young Adults Program coordinator Stephenie Acosta at [email protected]_