The only other thing I can think of is a consignment shop. I know where I live there is one specifically for prom and wedding dresses. Good luck!
You might try a bridal shop...I'm relatively certain you won't get all your money back, but equally certain they have customers who perhaps can't afford as much as others. They could benefit by purchasing "used" dresses for a discounted price.
There are tuxedo rental places that have wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. They rent them out, and resell them. Consignment shops.
CraiglistCheck internet for those who buy and sell these used dresses. Of course, you can always donate them, at prom time, to various schools for girls who don't have the money to buy a new one.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.