Thanks to community leaders, some creative options for securing dresses and formalwear for prom are happening this spring
Prom dress giveaways and information on where to donate
Have a prom dress to donate? Perhaps you’re looking for a prom dress but money is tight. Say “YES” to the prom dress (and other related formalwear) in Champaign-Urbana when you donate, consign, or browse for a new-to-you prom dress.
Here are some creative options for finding a prom dress this season. Please note, available dresses will be limited in quantity and you must check with giveaway organizers for any additional restrictions, such as being an enrolled student at a specific school district.
Looking to donate dresses or formalwear?
Mike Ingram is collecting dresses, shoes, accessories, men’s wear, and more for this year’s C-U Prom Giveaway at The City Center, 505 S. Chestnut St., Champaign. Please do not donate items that need to be cleaned; his team of sewists can handle minor repairs (reattaching a strap, for example). Drop off your donations during open hours at Farren’s, Fire Doll Studio, C-U Flower House, or Coldwell Banker at Old Farm Shops (Champaign); Beads N Botanicals (Urbana); University YMCA/Uniting Pride (Campus); or at the City Center once event setup has begun.
Uniting Pride is collecting formalwear for the City Center giveaway, at its offices at the University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St.), through March 29. Clothing not picked up at the City Center giveaway will then get donated to UP’s Queer Prom for those teen attendees. Donate formal or semi-formal wear — dresses, suits, skirts, blouses, slacks, blazers, whatever — to Uniting Pride.
At other times of year, you can always ask your local high school’s drama department if they would be interested in receiving a formalwear donation.
Giveaways for the 2024 prom season
C-U Prom Giveaway (for anyone)
Taking inspiration from his aunts’ Rossville resale shop that has given away hundreds of prom dresses over the years, former Champaign County Recorder of Deeds Mike Ingram has coordinated an annual prom dress/accessories giveaway in Champaign since 2022.
The giveaway takes place thanks to the hard work of a multitude of donors and volunteers, and this year’s event is located in donated space at The City Center. At time of publication, giveaway days are scheduled as follows:
- March 29, 4-7 p.m.
- March 30, 2-6 p.m.
- March 31, 3-6 p.m.
- April 1, 2-7 p.m.
- April 2, 3-6 p.m.
Anyone is welcome (students and adults alike), and every single item is free — including dresses, shoes, clutches, hats, jewelry, and even a limited amount of menswear.
For more information or updates, check in with the Facebook event. (Psst … Volunteers with sewing skills especially welcome!)
Uniting Pride Queer Prom 2024 (for friends of Uniting Pride)
Youth ages 13-18 who are attending Uniting Pride’s Queer Prom will have the opportunity beforehand to peruse donated formalwear (and accessories) and dress authentically in a safe, empowering, affirming environment. Queer Prom is scheduled for May 3 from 6-9 p.m. More information will be forthcoming on the Uniting Pride of Champaign County website, including formalwear giveaway times as well as Queer Prom registration and other details.
Threads4U Free Prom Boutique (for Champaign Unit 4 community)
Information for 2024 not available at press time. In past years, Unit 4’s Family and Community Engagement at the Mellon Building has made donated formalwear available from Michelle’s Bridal /M2 Place for Prom, with tags-off dresses professionally cleaned by Starcrest Cleaners. Contact FACE at (217) 974-1154 for more information.