Ocean County Library Collects Formal Dresses for Students

Ocean County Library will take donations from Friday, Jan. 3, through Thursday, Feb. 26. New or gently used gowns and dresses are needed. The 2026 Prom Dress Collection starts this week, and students in grades 8 through 12 can pick up free dresses at giveaway events beginning in early March.

Any student can receive a dress. Financial circumstances don't matter. The program helps teens attend prom without worrying about costs.

Donors can drop off items at any of the 21 branches or reading centers throughout the system. Short and long styles from within the past five years work best, though other options are welcome. Dresses must be dry cleaned or ready to wear. The library cannot take accessories, shoes, or purses.

The kickoff distribution runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Toms River Branch in Mancini Hall. Two more giveaway sessions are set for 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10, at the same location.

Little Egg Harbor Branch will host distributions from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18. Jackson Branch holds its sessions from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26.

Visit theoceancountylibrary.org/prom-dress for schedules and answers to common questions.