Over 300 Teens And Their Parents Shop at Prom Closet at Local YMCAS

Over 300 teens and their parents selected free prom attire at Prom Closets at the two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Prom Closets were held at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. Both Prom Closets were filled with donated, gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.

For the past three years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its branches have partnered with the Simi Valley Soroptimist Club to hold a Prom Closet at both YMCA sites.

"We received clothing, accessories and shoes that were all generously donated and found new homes," says Dani Hutchison, chief development officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. "At both Prom Closets, we even had a rack of clothes for moms, thanks to all the donations that came in."

"I was unsure if I was going to find a dress that I really liked and on a limited budget, but my dress is perfect," says one teen shopper. "I cannot wait to wear it to my prom. Thank you to the YMCA for hosting such a wonderful event!"

Items were donated by community members and retailers and included dresses, suits, slacks, jackets, shoes, ties and purses. Volunteers at each YMCA helped students pick out their clothes and accessories.

"It was fun to see so many happy faces and to know that the donations helped reduce some of the costs of a very special night," says Hutchison.