Donate a Prom Dress to Help a Young Woman

Donate a formal gown to The Princess Project and make a young woman’s prom night extra special.

The Princess Project will be at the Carlsbad Bridal Show collecting formal prom dresses and accessories to give to high school girls who otherwise can't afford them.

What is The Princess Project’s goal this year?
This is San Diego's 4th year, and The Princess Project's goal is to give 1,000+ dresses to San Diego high school girls through dress giveaways this spring.

Was The Princess Project at this bridal show last year?
This is The Princess Project’s first dress drive at a wedding show. Dress drives are usually held at retail and consignment shops and high schools.

How many dresses does The Princess Project receive at a dress drive like this?
About 10 to 30.

How many dress drives does The Princess Project host each year?
February is a busy month for The Princess Project! The organization holds about 15 dress drives during the month of February, and around 5 to 10 others throughout the year.

What does The Princess Project do with any dresses they can’t give away?
Any dresses that aren’t prom-appropriate (cocktail-style or casual dresses) are sold for $5 to $10 per dress to raise money for the organization. The Dress Sale will be held at Horton Plaza on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (more information to come).

Does The Princess Project provide receipts for tax purposes?
Yes. Because The Princess Project is a nonprofit 503/c, all donations are completely tax-deductible.

Do I get anything in return for my donation?
If you donate a dress at this event, you'll receive two FREE tickets for admission into the show ($30 value). And, of course, you'll also receive free warm fuzzies for making a girl's day brighter.

When is the Bridal Show?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where is The Princess Project drop-off location at the Brial Show?
You will find The Princess Project dress drop-off in front of the bridal show.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
5480 Grand Pacific Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Are there any donation guidelines?

• Dresses MUST be from 2006 to present.
• Dresses MUST be dry-cleaned and on hangers.
• Dresses MUST be prom dresses, formal gowns, or fancy party dresses.
• Accessories and dresses MUST be stylish, clean, and in excellent condition.

Is there anything The Princess Project will not accept?

• Garments that are out of style (i.e., purchased before 2006)
• Garments that have not been dry-cleaned
• Shoes
• Make-up
• Casual or semi-formal clothing
• Wedding dresses
• Tuxedos or men's clothing 

I can’t make it to the Bridal show on February 26, but I still want to help this great cause. What can I do?

Make a financial contribution! Or drop off your dress at any Margaret's location.

Did you know: The Princess Project receives about 1,000 dresses annually from Margaret’s drop-offs. Overall, The Princess Project receives about 2,000+ dresses from all various dress drive locations. That means that you, our wonderful Margaret’s customers, are making a difference!

Margaret’s Cleaners
5150 Convoy
San Diego, CA 92111

Margaret’s Cleaners
7511 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037

Margaret’s Cleaners
3790 Via De La Valle, Suite 213
Del Mar, CA 92014

Margaret’s Cleaners
1831 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

How can I volunteer for The Princess Project?
For more information on how to volunteer or donate, email The Princess Project or visit the website.

What other ventures does The Princess Project have planned this year?
This month, The Princess Project is partnering with My Girlfriend’s Closet to collect donations at the Westfield Shopping Center-Horton Plaza. The downtown mall donated storefront space for these two nonprofit organizations to collect prom dresses, shoes, and other apparel (see list below). Bring donations to the second level between Gymboree and ALDO on Feb. 11-12, Feb. 18-19, and Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All clothing should be in good condition.

What can I donate at the Westfield Shopping Center-Horton Plaza donation drive?
Gently worn jeans, pants, shorts, shirts, sweaters, jackets, pajamas, dresses shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, and accessories. Dresses can be formal gowns, party dresses, or cocktail dresses, but they must be in excellent condition and they should be dry-cleaned and on hangers upon donation.