Apex Prom Shoppe returns, offers free dresses and accessories to help teens shine on prom night

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- Prom season is approaching, and the Prom Shoppe at Apex United Methodist Church is again helping teens attend the big night at no cost.

"It's a rite of passage. Everybody remembers their prom. Everybody remembers the dress. And we want every girl to have that experience," said Brandi Sadler, volunteer coordinator for the Apex Prom Shoppe.

Organizers say the expense for prom can be overwhelming for many families. For 18 years, the church gym has transformed into a pop-up boutique, offering nearly 3,000 donated dresses this year - many brand new with tags still attached.

"When these girls come through these doors, we want them to feel like they're walking into that boutique to get that $800,000 dress," Sadler said.

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Volunteers help teens find dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories -- all free. The event is open to anyone in North Carolina, with no appointment or proof of income required.

Donations of like-new dresses, accessories, and shoes - especially plus sizes and shoes size 10 and up -- are being accepted through Feb. 23 at Apex United Methodist Church, Twisted Scissors Salon in Cary, and Generations Salon and Day Spa in Raleigh.

The Apex Prom Shoppe will be held Feb. 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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