My Sister's Dress Returns After 2-Year Hiatus

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — After a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, a fundraiser focused on providing donated formal dresses to McHenry County teens needing a prom dress is back.

My Sister's Dress is now accepting donations of new and gently used prom and formal dresses, shoes and accessories for its upcoming sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14 in Crystal Lake. The goal of the fund-raiser is to make dresses affordable for everyone and all dresses are prices at $25 and all shoes and accessories are $5.

All proceeds from the sale benefit the Education to Empowerment scholarship at McHenry County College and Home of the Sparrow. My Sister's Dress organizer Emily Smith says that historically, the fund-raiser has brought in as many as 1,000 dresses each year and $5,000 for local non-profits.

“'We are thrilled to be bringing My Sister's Dress back toMcHenry County. Since the sale has been on pause the last couple of years we anticipate a huge turnout this year with the latest fashions donated and excited shoppers," Smith said.

The following businesses are collecting donations:

• Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake
• Wear Did U Get That in Crystal Lake
• McHenry County College Foundation Office in Crystal Lake
• Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy in Crystal Lake
• Black Orchid Boutique n McHenry
• D&A Salon & Apothecary in Woodstock
• Curated by D&A in Woodstock
• Algonquin Area Public Library in Algonquin
• Healthbridge Fitness in Huntley

Those wishing to drop off the donations should check the business's Facebook page for hours of operation.

The sale is open to anyone looking to purchase a formal dress for prom, homecoming, dances, college formals, weddings and pageants. More information on the sale can be found on the My Sister's Dress Instagram page and the My Sister's Dress Facebook page.

Those attending the sale on Feb. 25, which is located in the gym at McHenry County College, should park in parking lot D and and B and enter either at the cafeteria lounge entrance or through the doors of the Luecht Conference Center. The gym is located at A107 past the MCC Bookstore and near the art gallery and department.

The doors open to the sale at 10 a.m. on February 25 and a line will form outside of the gym. The event accepts cash, checks and debit and credit cards.