Essex County College Collecting Gowns for Catherine's Closet

A forgotten gown in the back of a closet could help soften the financial burden of attending the prom for an area teenager.

Matching gowns with students who need them is the mission of Catherine’s Closet, an organization that has collected more than 6,000 dresses since its inception.

Thein West Caldwell is once again sponsoring a collection for Catherine’s Closet. Dresses, as well as accessories, may be dropped off now through Friday, April 1, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 730 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell.

The college collects hundreds of dresses as well as accessories each year, according to Dennia Rentzis, Coordinator of Admissions at Essex County College in West Caldwell. 

Catherine’s Closet accepts new or gently used gowns. Gowns must be clean, age appropriate, current in style and on a hanger. Designer gowns and large sizes are especially needed. Dresses which do not qualify for Catherine's Closet will be donated to local charities. 

Catherine’s Closest is dedicated to the memory of Catherine Johnson, a young woman who was killed in a tragic automobile accident shortly before she was to graduate as valedictorian of Clifford Scott High School in East Orange. Johnson was buried in her prom gown. She wanted to be a pediatrician.

Johnson once wrote in an essay, "People will know my name not for fame or fortune or out of vanity, but they will know me because I have helped someone."