‘Surrounded by love’: Texas megachurch gives away free prom dresses

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Wednesday, May 06, 2026

At a time when many young women are trying to figure out what to wear for prom, one megachurch in Texas recently offered a helping hand.

At St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, volunteers have spent weeks turning racks of donated dresses into a boutique-style experience for teenage girls who might otherwise miss one of high school’s most memorable nights.

The church, which has approximately 7,000 members, recently hosted its 17th annual “Prom Closet” event over two weeks, from Feb. 24 to March 7.

What began as a small ministry idea in 2009 has grown into a large-scale community outreach effort.

“The daughter of one of the [women's] group’s leaders worked for a local school district,” a church spokesperson told The Christian Post in an email on Tuesday. “She had noticed a huge need for girls to acquire prom attire so they could attend their senior proms.”

“The idea of providing a unique shopping experience for young ladies who, because of finances, would be unable to attend prom was presented to the group, and all agreed to move forward with Prom Closet.”

Since then, the program has expanded significantly, offering not just dresses but a full prom experience at no cost.

In addition to a wide assortment of dresses, high school girls can also select other free items for their prom experience, including a handbag, jewelry, shoes and a wrap.

Donations for the Prom Closet come from a wide array of sources, including congregants, local community groups, businesses and other organizations. Some of the dresses are new, having been purchased through an Amazon shopping link provided by the church.

According to a church spokesperson, this year’s event included over 5,000 dresses in sizes 1 to 30, with more than 1,400 teenage girls attending to find their perfect dress. 

While most attendees come from the surrounding area, the event draws participants from across state lines, including Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Each year, the event relies on about 1,000 volunteers from the community to assist with the program, the spokesperson said.

“I’m so proud of the women who first had the vision for Prom Closet and the countless others who have carried it forward,” said St. Andrew Senior Pastor Arthur Jones, in a statement provided to CP. “Their faithfulness has allowed this ministry to touch the lives of so many in our community and beyond.”

For organizers and volunteers, the effort is about more than providing formalwear — it’s about making young women feel loved.

“No matter what the girls and their families may be facing in their lives, during the shopping experience they are surrounded by love, affirmation, and care,” said the Rev. Allyson Johnson, of St. Andrew, to CP. “Without question, the need is great—but the impact on each girl and her family is immeasurable.”