Countdown to prom season begins this weekend with Reston Community Center's own pop-up boutique, the Ninth Annual Diva Central dress giveaway.

The event takes place Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. at Southgate Community Center.

Reston Community Center spends much of the year collecting donations of prom-worthy dresses, accessories, shoes and bags, then offers them for free at the Diva Central event.

It is truly an event in the community spirit, says RCC spokeswoman BeBe Nguyen. People in the community do the donating, and people in the community do the "purchasing." It is a great place to offer up a barely worn bridesmaid or last-year's prom dress.

"We have head record-breaking donations," says Nguyen. "We are so excited to see the donations. There are designer dresses and almost new dresses that any girl would be proud to wear."

Nguyen says upwards of 500 teens are expected to visit Saturday's event. The event began as a way to help underpriveleged teens, but it is now open to everyone in the community, she said. When you add up the cost of clothing, flowers, a limo ride and other prom necessities, the annual spring dance ends up costing several hundred dollars, so a free dress and accessories can help a lot of people.

Participants in Diva Central must be enrolled in high school and eligible to attend their prom. 

Nguyen says Southgate will be set up like a boutique, with different areas for clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as changing areas. Shoppers are first-come, first served.

Diva Central will also be raffling off prizes donated by local businesses. Last  year's prizes included a chauffeured luxury town car to the prom; corsage and boutonnieres for the winner and her date; spa services at local Reston salons; and gift certificates to popular Reston restaurants.