One of Dallas-Fort Worth's largest prom dress drives is on its way to making dreams come true for a record number of local teens. The Prom Closet at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano expects to provide 4,000 pieces of formal attire, free of charge, to prom-goers in spring of 2023.

A service of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church United Methodist Women group, Prom Closet allows teens the chance to "shop for" dresses, shoes, and accessories at no cost. The event has grown from assisting 35 teen girls when it started in 2009, to an anticipated 1,000 "shoppers" this year.

The 2023 shopping event will take place February 7-9, 11 and 13-18 ... more on that in a sec.

Bur first, they need to fill the shelves, racks, and hangers.

Donations of gently used or new dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps are being taken now through February 16, from 8:30 am-8:30 pm Monday through Thursday; 8:30 am-12 pm Friday; 11:30 am-4 pm Saturday; and 9 am-12 pm Sunday.

Donations should be dropped off in Smith Worship Center on the east side of the church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano.

Also, items can be donated through a Prom Closet Amazon Wish List. There are additional volunteer opportunities available as personal shopping assistants.

This year's shopping days are February 7-9, 11 and 13-18; appointments are required and last 90 minutes. Interested shoppers can register online now.

Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest, age 16 or older, with them, organizers say. A volunteer will help each shopper personally throughout the process.

“It’s no secret that attending prom can be very expensive,” said Devra Helffrich, a founder of Prom Closet, in a statement. “Not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. Each volunteer strives to provide an uplifting experience for the young ladies letting them know they are loved, and they are beautiful. There are countless beautiful and emotional stories of girls and their families who have received prom dresses and accessories.”

Find more information about donating, shopping, or volunteering on the Prom Closet website, email promcloset@standrewmethodist.org, or call 469-385-1810.