‘Surrounded by love’: Texas megachurch gives away free prom dresses

May 7, 2026

What began as a small ministry idea in 2009 has grown into a large-scale community outreach effort as a megachurch in Texas offered free prom dresses to teenage girls.

The Christian Post reports that volunteers at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas recently recently hosted its 17th annual “Prom Closet” event over two weeks, from Feb. 24 to March 7.

Volunteers spent weeks turning racks of donated dresses into a boutique-style experience for teenage girls who might otherwise miss one of high school’s most memorable nights.

A church spokesperson told The Christian Post in an email, “The daughter of one of the [women’s] group’s leaders worked for a local school district. She had noticed a huge need for girls to acquire prom attire so they could attend their senior proms.”

The spokesperson explained, “The idea of providing a unique shopping experience for young ladies who, because of finances, would be unable to attend prom was presented to the group, and all agreed to move forward with Prom Closet.”

Since its inception, the program has expanded significantly, offering not just dresses but a full prom experience at no cost.

According to the Christian Post, donations for the Prom Closet come from a wide array of sources, including congregants, local community groups, businesses and other organizations.

A church spokesperson reports that this year’s event included over 5,000 dresses in sizes 1 to 30, with more than 1,400 teenage girls attending to find their perfect dress.

St. Andrew Senior Pastor Arthur Jones told the Christian Post, “I’m so proud of the women who first had the vision for Prom Closet and the countless others who have carried it forward. Their faithfulness has allowed this ministry to touch the lives of so many in our community and beyond.”

Approximately 1,000 volunteers from the community took part in assisting with this year’s event. 

Photo: top, Credit: St. Andrew Methodist Church