Prom season can be an expensive time for any family!  Are you looking for a dress for prom this year?  Would you like some accessories to go with it?  Come to St. Andrew United Methodist Church's 7th Annual Prom Closet.  St. Andrew invites girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress to FREE prom shopping days at the church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, 75093.

Shopping days are March 24 – 26 (Tues.-Thurs.) 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. – noon.  (Closed on Friday, March 27)

The only requirement is that girls must be present to select their dresses/accessories. This year, because the community has donated dresses in such a generous way, organizers are only asking for donations of accessories: shoes, wraps, jewelry, and handbags for this annual event. 

“This year is the seventh year of the Prom Closet, organized by the St. Andrew United Methodist Women, and it has proven to be a wonderful way to reach out and serve the community,” said Devra Helffrich, an original organizer of the prom closet.  “Our greatest need is for accessories. Those items truly make the whole thing pop, and the girls are so excited to leave St. Andrew with their complete look for prom!”  

The first year, the Prom Closet provided 35 dresses to local high school girls, and last year 678 girls received dresses and accessories, all donated by community members, local groups, corporations, and businesses.  Dresses sized 0 to 28 are available to choose from, many of which have never been worn.

“Last year, from girls whose current residence is at the Samaritan Inn to a group of six foster teens brought in by a social worker, to three vans of Roosevelt High School girls brought in by ROTC instructors who were in need of gowns for the school’s Military Ball, the Prom Closet made a difference, lifting financial burdens, giving hope, and making dreams a reality,” added Helffrich.

Prom closet organizers confirm that not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable.

“We continue to be grateful each year for the media coverage which is critical in getting the word out,” added Helffrich. “One family told us they had been fretting over how they were going to afford everything for their daughter to attend her prom. They were watching the news and learned about Prom Closet.  The mother and daughter jumped in the car as soon as they saw the story. The father told them he would call and give them the directions so they could make it in time. The daughter found a dress and accessories and both were so appreciative and thankful.  Another favorite story is from a young woman who had been nominated for prom queen but could not afford a dress to attend. She found the perfect dress at the Prom Closet and had a night she will always treasure.”

Area school counselors have been provided information on their campuses.  Students must be present to shop for selection of dress and accessories.

For accessory donations as well as shopping days, please park in the east parking lot off of Mira Vista. During shopping days, look for Prom Closet signs.  Accessory donations are accepted in Room 126 on weekdays. 

St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX  75093 (corner of Mira Vista and Plano Parkway).  For more information go to www.standrewumc.org or call the church office at 972-380-8001. Email standrewpromcloset@gmail.com.