Donna Murray, owner of Royal Dry Cleaners in the Tops Plaza has launched a new initiative to help ease the financial burden of prom season for students.  The event, which runs through prom season, offers gently used dresses, suits and ties to those in need.   

Murray said she was inspired to start the event after finding her daughter’s old prom dress while cleaning out a closet during the pandemic.   

“I only bought the cleaners in 2021, so the first year I did this was 2022. I twasn’t a huge success, but after talking to enough people, I realized its what we need to do again.”

Gently used dresses, suits, and ties are donated to the cleaners and given away to those in need.

If the suit or dress doesn’t fit, Royal Cleaners offers free minor alterations.

The event is not limited to students in New Paltz, as Murray encourages anyone in the surrounding districts to come in and try on the suits and dresses. The selection is constantly changing as people continue to donate.  Highland High School students visited the cleaners on March 23 to try on some of the suits and dresses, and those who didn’t find what they were looking for were encouraged to return later. Murray emphasizes that they are always welcome to come back, as the inventory is constantly rotating.

Last year, Murray had five girls come in to find dresses, and three were able to find dresses they loved. Not having to pay for them allowed them to afford a limo for their prom.

Any remaining donated items are packed up and saved for next year’s event. Thanks to Murray’s efforts, prom season just got a little bit easier for students in the area.