Contributed Photo
Branazia Walton.
We all know we will never wear that prom dress in our closet again. In most cases, that’s a good thing!
So here’s a great way to do something awesome for New Haven teens while creating a little more closet space. For the next three weeks, LEAP’s Prom Drive is accepting lightly used prom clothing that we will make available for free to New Haven public high school students. You can donate dresses, tuxedos, suits, shoes and accessories.
Dylan Thomas and date.
In our work with teenagers at LEAP over more than two decades, we have found that they really look forward to prom. But it is an expensive evening when you consider the costs of getting a dress or suit, a haircut and prom tickets. Frankly, not all of New Haven’s children can afford it all, especially when they are also saving money for college.
You can drop off clothing at the LEAP Community Center at 31 Jefferson Street in New Haven. (We are the large red brick building located on Jefferson between Olive Street and Grand Avenue.) We are willing to pick up donations if necessary but drop off is greatly appreciated.
Leana and Leandrea Mitchell.
Please join us in making prom a night to remember for even more New Haven teens. From April 18 to April 22, we will set up appointments for teens to look through donations with us to find clothing that fits. Teens do not need to be in LEAP to receive clothing through the LEAP Prom Drive.
We are also asking for businesses to help out. Already, a few barber shops, beauty salons and nail salons have donated gift cards for their services.
If you have a question, need to arrange a pickup, or have a business and want to contribute, please let us know by contacting Yakeita Robinson at LEAP at (203) 773‑0770 or via email at [email protected] so we can work out the details of your donation.
You can learn more about LEAP and the LEAP Prom Drive at www.leapforkids.org.
