Lourdes Medical Associates/Osborn Family Health Center – a primary and specialty care center that is part of the Lourdes Health System – is currently sponsoring its annual prom gown drive.
Community members are invited to donate clean, wearable prom gowns or dressy cocktail-length dresses in all sizes that are then distributed to students at Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School in Camden. Prom accessories, including shoes, handbags and jewelry are also welcome.
“Every young woman should feel beautiful at her prom and our gown drive helps give young women that experience they deserve,” said Deborah Bokas, director of Social Services at Lourdes Medical Associates/Osborn Family Health Center. “Being able to recycle gowns is a good thing, but to give them to those families who may not have the means to purchase a brand new prom gown is all the better.”
The first prom gown drive drew in 100 gowns. Last year, 455 gowns were collected and given to students.
Diane Hines-Cooper, seamstress and teacher at Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School, sets up times where parents can come with their daughters to choose gown and have them fitted.
“When parents bring their daughters to choose a gown, they can’t believe it’s free,” said Hines-Cooper. “Some parents are almost in tears. You can see the relief and appreciation in their faces. I always tell my students you don’t live until you learn to give, and this is a great example of how much it means when people can work together to make a difference in the community.”
Prom gowns and accessories can be donated through April 15 at Lourdes Medical Associates/Osborn Family Health Center, 1601 Haddon Ave., Camden. Gowns can be dropped off at Osborn’s reception area during business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). For more information, contact Deborah Bokas, 856-757-3542.
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