PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College students are reaching out to high school girls to ensure that they are able to receive a special high school prom experience by hosting the third annual Prom Dress Drive, March 4-29.

The Prom Dress Drive is being coordinated by the College’s Raising Awareness Club. Beginning Monday, March 4, Owens students will accept various gently used prom-specific items, including dresses, shoes, purses, gloves and jewelry, among other prom accessories. The donation drive will run through March 29.              

“The Prom Dress Drive has been a big success the last two years,” said Nicole Buccalo, Owens Student Activities Assistant and Raising Awareness Club Advisor. “We really want to make sure that each high school student’s prom is a memorable event. Area residents can help in the Raising Awareness Club’s outreach efforts by donating or encouraging others to donate to the Prom Dress Drive.”

Following the Prom Dress Drive initiative, the Raising Awareness Club and the Springfield High School Academic Booster Club will host the Prom Dress Extravaganza for high school students and their families on Saturday, April 6. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase prom dresses and accessories for minimal cost ranging from $5-20 for dresses and 50 cents to $5 for accessories. Shopping mentors will be on hand to assist individuals in their shopping experience. Additionally, Owens students will provide prom dress alterations free of charge during the event. Owens’ Prom Dress Extravaganza will take place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center.

All prom donations can be dropped off in the Office of Student Activities Room 165 at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township or at Salon Onyx in Toledo.

All proceeds raised from the prom dress initiative will be used to benefit future community outreach activities for the Raising Awareness Club.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for the acceptance of cultural differences, global unity, disability awareness and various needs that impact the surrounding communities. 

For more information, or to make a donation, call (567) 661-2569 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2569.