Share the Sparkle at Prom Dress Drive

It’s time to clean out those closets and give your dress another chance to dance! In February, MAC is once again hosting a formal dress and accessory donation drive to support local nonprofit Abby’s Closet. Abby’s Closet accepts formal dresses — both short and long and vintage to brand new — as well as prom-appropriate purses, shoes, and jewelry. Donations can be dropped off in the Main Lobby near the Front Desk Feb. 10-16.

Abby’s Closet is preparing to host its 21st annual Prom Dress Giveaway in April. High school students from all over the Pacific Northwest can choose from thousands of uniquely beautiful dresses and accessories, completely free of charge. For more than two decades, Abby’s Closet has inspired confidence and respect in students by providing formal dresses for prom and other memorable events. Founded in 2004, Abby’s Closet started in, well, Abby’s closet. When heading off to college, Abby Wilson wanted to ensure her favorite pink prom dress wouldn’t just collect dust, recognizing it could still bring so much joy to someone else. With three older brothers and nobody to pass the dress on to, Wilson and her mother, Sally Egland, decided to start their own nonprofit. Since its inception, Abby’s Closet has enabled more than 45,000 happy high school students to walk away with the prom dress of their dreams.

But it’s so much more than the dress — Abby’s Closet is just as focused on education and inclusiveness as it is on satin and sequins. The organization has awarded $63,000 in college scholarships, empowers high school girls through its Student Advisory Board that works alongside the Board of Directors to gain leadership skills, and hosts an annual giveaway for students with special needs. Through its Sharing the Love program, Abby’s Closet also strives to reach communities that are under-served or have students who are unable to attend the annual Prom Dress Giveaway event due to the distance from Portland.

Abby’s Closet would not be possible without the generous donations from people like MAC members. For those who don’t have a dress or accessory to give, they also welcome volunteers to help with the Prom Dress Giveaway and to pick up dresses from other drop-off locations. There are sponsorship opportunities as well. To learn more, reach out to info@abbyscloset.org and specify how you’d like to get involved.

The 2025 Prom Dress Giveaway takes place April 5-6 at the Oregon Convention Center. All high school students are welcome. Stay connected on social @abbysclosetpdx or visit abbyscloset.org for more information.