The Prom Closet has grown from serving 35 young ladies in 2009 to 1,207 in 2018 

St. Andrew United Methodist Church is hosting the 11^th Annual Prom Closet, Feb. 19, 20, 21 (Tues.-Thurs., 4-8 p.m.) and Feb. 23 (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. 22.) Girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to come select a dress and accessories, all at no cost. This year there are 3,500 available dresses ranging 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 1,207 shoppers from 76 school districts and 204 schools,” said Devra Helffrich, an original organizer of the Prom Closet. “Obviously, we could not do this without the support and donations from the community and our wonderful volunteers. 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. The Prom Closet has grown to be an extraordinary way to reach out and help the community.”

St. Andrew is asking the community to drop off donations of dresses and accessories such as jewelry, handbags, shoes, and wraps 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. 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/PromClosetWishList

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, but 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. “This year the Prom Closet worked with a group of girls from the McKinney High School Girl Empowerment Program, a program which was created to help young ladies learn the art of being able to lift each other up instead of pulling each other down.  Upon the completion of the program’s weekly projects during the school year, a ball is held to showcase their accomplishments and honor those who helped. The girls needed long dresses for the ball, and the Prom Closet volunteers worked with each girl to find the perfect dress.”

“We are all so appreciative of the Prom Closet and the wonderful ladies that not only helped the girls find a dress but also made them look and feel beautiful,” said Natasha Hayden, CIS Site Coordinator for McKinney High School. “The girls had to learn a waltz for the ball, where they were escorted by positive male role models including several members of the McKinney Police Department.  The Prom Closet was a wonderful example to the girls of what it means to be a team player.”

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. Park in the west parking lot off Plano Parkway. The church buildings are currently under renovation so please look for the Prom Closet directional signs.