Washington-Lee PTA Collects Prom Dresses for 'Formals to Five' Program

The Washington-Lee High School PTA is collecting formal dresses and accessories for its annual ‘Formals for Five’ project.

The project collects new, used and gently used formal wear and accessories for women to purchase at $5 each.

“It’s making it possible for everyone to go,” said Natalie Roy, who is a member of the PTA and co-chairwoman of the event.

Once all the donations have been collected, the PTA will host a pop-up boutique from 3 to 7 p.m. on April 23 and 24 at Washington-Lee to give girls a chance to shop and try on dresses. The sale is open to all Arlington high school students.

The event falls right after Earth Day, which is April 22.

“It’s a really nice event and it ties in a lot of good things,” Roy said. “It’s also a chance to be green.”

The group, which has been collecting dresses for more than five years now, hopes to acquire 400 dresses this year.

“We get donations from the community … anything from vintage dresses to brand-new items,” Roy said.

The organization is taking donations through April 20. In addition to apparel, it also needs mirrors and volunteers to help the days of the boutique.

Macy’s has donated shopping bags for the event, which include a 25 percent off coupon for that store inside.

To find out how to donate, go to the Formals for Five Facebook page. Proms in Arlington take place at the end of May.