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, 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?

It is fun for us to know where shoppers come from, but it also helps us to assure we are serving the KCMO public high schools and other local high schools. We've had shoppers from Topeka, Lawrence, and lots of small Missouri towns. All are welcome! Also, as we meet students from various schools, we include your school in our mailing for the next year’s FREE Prom Boutique. We consider homeschooling to be school. 

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 time others than your free Prom Boutique?

We can arrange private appointments throughout the year for other special occasions. One of our team members will be happy to help you select a dress. No referral is necessary from a counselor.

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, 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-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 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 250 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.