oppromgiveaway2013Teenage girls looking for an inexpensive way to get a high-fashion dress for their prom are encouraged to sign up today for the 10th annual Operation Prom giveaway taking place April 17-19 at the Westchester County Center. Boys should also submit an application for a free tuxedo waiver from the Men's Wearhouse.

Since its founding, Operation Prom has helped thousands of area teens by collecting and distributing gently used dresses – and now in many cases brand new dresses donated by companies and designers – as well as arranging for free tuxedo rentals.

"Operation Prom is a great program that has helped so many teens over the past 10 years," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Westchester County is proud to continue its support."

The county helps to publicize events, provides storage space for the gowns and allows the free use of the County Center for the dress giveaway.

Noel D'Allacco, founder of the program, said Operation Prom has given out 5,000 dresses and hundreds of tuxedos since its inception – and this year they have an ambitious goal.

"We are hoping to give out 2,000 dresses in the Hudson Valley alone this year," said D'Allacco, of Eastchester. "No one should miss out on their prom because they can't afford a dress or tuxedo. It's one of the best times in a person's life, and Operation Prom is ready to help make it even more special."

This will be the second year of paperless applications. Teens who may be interested should fill out an application as soon as possible. To do so, go to www.OperationProm.org or contact Noel D'Allacco with any questions at  or (914) 672-3070.

Operation Prom is geared toward helping teens from low-income households and those who live in shelters or group homes. The Department of Social Services plays a vital role by connecting young women and men in their care with Operation Prom. Girls can pick out a dress on one of the three days at the County Center.

"I am once again looking forward to attending the dress giveaway and seeing all the smiling faces of young ladies finding that perfect dress to attend prom," said Social Services Commissioner Kevin McGuire. "It gives me such happiness and my entire staff to see that children in our care are able to go through an important American rite of passage, this is all possible because of Noel and Operation Prom."

2014 Dress Giveaway
Students must complete the application form to attend:

  • Thursday, April 17, noon to 5 p.m. (HS Seniors only)
  • Friday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (HS Seniors only)
  • Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (HS Students only) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the event will be open to the public for our $1 dress sale, cash & carry, based on availability.

Men's Warehouse Locations:
Students must complete the application form to know what location to visit and when to go for a fitting. There are a limited number of tuxedo waivers available.

  • 360 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains, NY 10607, (914) 328-0581
  • 731 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583, (914) 725-7964

For questions or assistance please contact Noel D'Allacco at  or (914) 672-3070. You may also contact Matthew McCarrick from Westchester County's Department Social Services at  or (914) 995-4979.