A “Good” Way to Contribute

If you run into YWCA Adams County staff around town and you notice a stray sequin in their hair, don’t be surprised! Gowns for Good has been doing robust business this HoCo* season. 

Through Gowns for Good, we sell donated special occasion dresses and gowns – some used, some new – for $30 throughout the year.

To sustain this program, we need your gently-loved homecoming dresses and prom gowns! 

Between August 1 and September 30 this year, 49 dresses left our collection to help women of all ages look and feel their best at high school and college dances, quinceañeras, orchestra concerts, and weddings. During the same timeframe in 2025, we sold 24 dresses.

Is this leap a result of the economy? Are we getting the word out better? It’s probably a little of both. What’s clear is the inventory has shrunk. 

As you clean out closets in upcoming weeks or revisit the HoCo pictures you liked on social media, consider dropping off special occasion dresses (and encouraging others to do so!) at the YWCA Adams County during our working hours – 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. 

Sure, Gowns for Good provides additional income for our other programming. Perhaps more importantly for the YW’s future is that it also introduces younger siblings, grandmothers, and the friends of the girl who found exactly the shade of blue she’d envisioned to the YWCA’s mission of empowering women. 

*Homecoming