FARMINGTON — Franklin County Children’s Task Force is hosting the first ever Dress Swap in preparation for the upcoming Father/Daughter Dances.

FCCTF Community Coordinator Rileigh Blanchet said the idea was to give dresses that have been outgrown a new home and to relieve the financial burden of purchasing a dress that may only be worn once or twice.

Dresses of all sizes will be collected through Jan. 30. They can be dropped off at the FCCTF, 113 Church St. Alternatively, they can be left at 21st Century program sites.

So far, nearly 75 dresses have been dropped off, said Blanchet. Sizes 4 to 10 are popular but the hope is to collect dresses for older girls as well.

“We are encouraging people to bring in not only Father/Daughter Dance dresses, but semi-formal and prom dresses,” said Blanchet. “You would be surprised how many teens and dads come to the dance. I went with my dad until I was 16 or 17,” said Blanchet.

In February, the free Dress Shop will be open to the public.

“Girls can browse through the dresses and find one that lights up their eyes without having to break into the bank account,” said Blanchet.

Girls can also come in without swapping a dress.

“We encourage everyone to bring in a dress but it is not necessary,” said Blanchet. “Some families might not have attended in the past because they couldn’t afford a dress. We really want to give them an opportunity to come.”

The Father/Daughter Dance will be held March 9 at Strong Elementary School and Spruce Mountain Middle School. The time has yet to be determined, said Blanchet.

For more information, call FCCTF at 778-6960.

dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com