Area middle- and highschoolers looking to refresh their formal wear for an upcoming event have an opportunity to visit a pop-up shop where everything’s free.
The closet will feature glittered, sequined and shiny items — including shoes and accessories — ready to entice shoppers. Prom Dress Lawrence sponsors the annual event, which returns after a two-year break due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Lynisha Thomas, Lawrence High School social worker, said students need no money to select from the closet. Thomas said social events like formals and dances provide teens a way to gather outside school, and the clothing involved should take second place to the importance of enjoying free time together.
The closet also gives students a venue to “pay it forward” by repurposing formal items and accessories they won’t wear again. A goal, Thomas said, is that teens who benefit from the closet will donate those items back so more teens can enjoy them. “It’s really about refreshing their wardrobe, affordable wear and giving back so someone else can use it too.”
Teens can make a 30-minute appointment for the Prom and Formal Wear Giveaway during a window from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. Visit the calendar here or an event link on Facebook to reserve a spot.
The closet will open to all members of the public, including adults, from 2 to 3 p.m., no appointment necessary. At that time, remaining items will be available for a suggested donation of $5 per item.
To sneak a peek of what’s in the closet, check out this link. Organized by size and category, the catalog includes a limited selection of men’s wear.
The closet accepts new and gently worn items without rips or stains year-round from the following categories:
- Prom dresses
- Formal and party dresses
- Tuxedos
- Dress slacks
- Button-up dress shirts
- Dress shoes, including heels
- Formal jewelry
- Brown and black leather belts
Have items to donate for the main event on Saturday? Through Friday, Thomas said, donors can deliver items to the main office at Lawrence High School, Plato’s Closet, Urban Outfitters, and Ditto, A Resale Boutique. The closet will also accept donations up until event time Saturday, but only at the library. Check here for information on how to donate items year-round after the event.
Volunteers are still needed. Those interested in helping can reach out to promdresslawrence@gmail.com or 785-330-5356.
Thomas emphasized that although Saturday’s giveaway is the main event for the organization, individual appointments to shop formal wear are available for teen students through prom season.
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Tricia Masenthin (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at tmasenthin (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
