The Prom Closet has grown from serving 35 young ladies in 2009 to 1,339 in 2019
By Elizabeth Lenart | Contributor
St. Andrew United Methodist Church is hosting its annual prom closet collection week, January 25 – February 2, for the 12th Annual Prom Closet, inviting the community to bring donations of dresses and accessories such as jewelry, handbags, shoes, and wraps. All items may be dropped off at 1401 Mira Vista (east side of the church) in Room 133, Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. The most needed dress sizes are 0, 2 and 12 and above. A link on Amazon is available for anyone that would like to help by purchasing items, which will be shipped directly to the church. To review items available for purchase, https://tinyurl.com/Promclosetlist
The 12th Annual Prom Closet will be held Feb. 18, 19, 20 (Tues.-Thurs., 4-8 p.m.) and Feb. 22 (Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon), in the Smith Worship Center at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, 75093. (The Prom Closet is closed on Friday, Feb. 21.)
Girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to come select a dress and accessories all at no cost during the February Prom Closet week. Dresses range in sizes from 0 to 28, many of which have never been worn. The only requirement is that girls must be present to select their dresses/accessories. Community members, businesses, organizations, and local groups donate dresses, and accessories for this annual event, organized and operated by The St. Andrew United Methodist Women.
“Last year we served 1,339 shoppers from 251 schools,” said Devra Helffrich, an original organizer of the Prom Closet. “Obviously, we could not do this without the support of the community, church members, and volunteers, including all of those who donate to this annual program. We collect dresses, shoes, jewelry, wraps, handbags, and other accessories year ‘round, and we can’t thank the community enough for helping so many girls’ prom dreams come true. Every year we hear girls happily say, ‘Now I can go to my prom.’ The Prom Closet has grown to be an extraordinary way to reach out and help the community.”
The Prom Closet was created to provide a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom. Prom Closet organizers and volunteers confirm that not only is the need great, the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. Visit www.standrewumc.org/promcloset, email standrewpromcloset@gmail.com, or call 469-385-1810 for more information.
“Every year, the Prom Closet results in so many stories of appreciation from girls who received dresses, and many are quite unique,” added Helffrich. “Last year the Prom Closet provided dresses and accessories to two exchange students from Germany and Switzerland. They had only heard of prom in the movies and were so excited to each find a dress and experience prom in the United States. Both selected the first dress they tried on, and were all smiles as they selected jewelry, shoes, and purses.”
Area school counselors have been provided information about the annual Prom Closet on their campuses. Students must be present to shop for selection of dress and accessories. Shopping will take place at the church, in the Smith Worship Center, at St. Andrew UMC, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. Please look for the Prom Closet directional signs.
Special thanks to Prom Closet Partners: Signature Garment Care for garment dress bags; and Market Street for food and water donations.
St. Andrew PROM CLOSET
Website: www.standrewumc.org/promcloset
Hotline: 469-385-1810
Email: standrewpromcloset@gmail.com
Volunteers: *New – Background Checks Required- Please complete Consent to Background Check Form https://www.standrewumc.org/news/PromCloset *Click Volunteering on webpage to access form.