Oakdale’s SGA held a “dress drive” from April 25 to April 29 to help students who can’t afford their own prom clothing. The OHS Student Government asked for donations of both men’s and women’s formal wear and received over 30 items. The drive is entirely free and is available to anyone who is in need of clothing for prom.
The idea came from Junior Bailey Roman, an SGA member, scrambling to find a dress for homecoming at the last minute, and realising she didn’t have one to wear. This led to Roman starting a free drive in order to give others who may be in the same situation an opportunity to get themselves out of it.
“I thought it was fantastic and great for making dresses accessible to anyone,” Mrs. Jacqueline Grimm, music teacher, shared.
When asked if this should be an annual event, students and teachers alike exclaimed their support. “I think it definitely should be, even if you only help one person it’s making a difference,” freshman Morgan Booth stated.
Any clothes that aren’t given out are donated to various organizations that give out dress clothes to students who need it.
Grimm was one of the main contributors for the drive, donating a majority of the dresses. Mrs. Grimm had a plethora of former bridesmaid dresses she had worn only once before, and wanted to give them a new life for someone else who can use them.
“I think it was really good to get rid of old dresses,” sophomore Emily Smith expressed.
Two of the big struggles for this drive was getting the advertising out, as well as making sure a variety of sizes for the dresses were available. Nevertheless, the drive was a success, with not only dresses being given out, but also the other clothing items such as jewelery and ties.
Poster advertisements for the drive were hung around the school, as well as having a section on the morning announcements detailing it. “The drive has really gone well above my expectations,” Roman shares.
All of the dresses and other clothing are received through donations from the Oakdale community, meaning the prom dress drive relies on student engagement. Whether or not the drive becomes an annual event, the goal of helping the community was successful.
