FAQ

How do I qualify for a free dress?

Any high school student is welcome to come and shop for a free dress or suit. (Our supply of men’s clothing is limited.) There are no requirements; we do not ask any questions about your ability to pay or an area in which you live, no questions . . . we’d like to know your name, the school you attend, and how you heard about us.

Where are you located?

Our FREE prom Boutique is held annually at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church (4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee's Summit, MO 64064). There is plenty of parking in our parking lot.

Why do you want to know what school I attend? What if I am homeschooling?

Knowing where our shoppers come from helps to ensure we are serving as many schools in the area as possible. Our shoppers come from schools all over the area--public and private, large and small, on both sides of the state line. We also serve many shoppers from small towns as far as two hours away from Lee’s Summit. We consider homeschooling to be school. All are welcome! When you tell us the school you attend, we add your school to our email list, and your counselors and principals will receive information about Prom Boutique next year.

What sizes do you have?

We have sizes 0-28 and sometimes larger.

Do you have private dressing rooms?

Yes, we have 16 private dressing rooms as well as a large communal room.

Do you provide dresses at times other than your free Prom Boutique?

We only accommodate referrals from counselors or social workers. As an alternative, the Hillcrest Thrift Store at 291 & 3rd Street in Lee's Summit has many appropriate dresses at very reasonable prices. 

Can I pay for the dress?

We do not charge any student for any dress, suit, shoes, purse, or jewelry. Several shoppers or parents choose to make donations, and any money we receive is spent on buying hard-to-find suits and dresses.

Can my mom, aunt, grandmother, friend, dad, and baby come with me?

Yes. However, prom dresses and accessories are strictly for high school students. Your female friends/relatives are welcome to help you shop. We have Disney videos for older children and a men's waiting area. No snacks are available.

My child/student/friend is working/out of town/busy--can I select a dress for them?

Yes, you may select a dress for your absent friend or child.

I can't get to the church.

If you can't get to the church (whether donating or needing a dress), we can make alternative arrangements.

How many dresses can I have?

Each guest is asked to select one dress, so there are plenty of choices for others. Wear it twice, and really, no one will notice because you'll look fabulous!

I'd like to donate dresses.

We would love to have your dresses! We would also love to have your donations of men’s and women’s dress shoes, strapless bras, evening bags, prom jewelry, and tuxedos/suits.) We collect them year-round.

You can bring your donations to the church office anytime Monday-Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church (4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee's Summit, MO 64064). The office also has tax receipts available.

What do monetary donations go toward?

We use donated monies to buy the hard-to-find larger-size dresses.

How many volunteers do you have?

We have approximately 200 volunteers throughout the year and during the actual week of Prom Boutique.

What happens to the leftover dresses?

Dresses not selected are then shared with other non-profit groups such as Hillcrest Thrift Store, Crittenton, Sheffield, Operation Breakthrough, Crosslines, and school theatre departments.