Diva Central’s Dress Drive holds 24th annual shopping event

By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer

Middle and high schoolers took home a total of 146 dresses at Diva Central on March 4. Photo contributed by Reston Community Center

For more than two decades, the Diva Central Dress Drive has helped transform how students prepare for milestone events. Now in its 24th year, the drive continues to grow, expanding access to formalwear for students across the community.

Photo contributed by Reston Community Center

The Diva Drive is a free shopping event for middle and high school students. Participants browse a wide selection of dresses, shoes, bags and accessories for prom, homecoming and other formal occasions. The event serves students across Northern Virginia, welcoming all regardless of income, gender or size.

The goal is simple: ensure every student leaves feeling confident and celebrated.

This year’s event took place March 14 at Reston Community Center Lake Anne following a monthlong donation drive in February. Dresses were collected at Reston Community Center locations and through mobile pop-up events. The RCC on Wheels van expanded access with stops at North Point and South Lakes shopping centers, helping boost both donations and awareness.

In total, 213 students attended and 146 dresses were distributed along with countless accessories, shoes and bags. Sizes ranged from 0 to 22-plus, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusion.

Photo contributed by Reston Community Center

Beyond the numbers, the emotional impact remains at the heart of the drive. Organizers say it is especially meaningful to see students return year after year, sometimes across generations. One standout moment this year came when a woman who attended the first Diva Drive returned with her daughter to share the experience.

The event relies on strong community support. This year, 21 volunteers contributed their time, many of them returning annually and bringing others with them, helping the effort grow each year.

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s milestone 25th anniversary and hope to mark the occasion in a big way. When February comes around again, consider donating formalwear to Diva Central. A single dress can help make a student’s night feel special.