Community prom closet in Lennox offers free dresses for high school girls and older

Prom season is here, and a pair of friends in Lennox are working to make the season a little brighter and more affordable for area high schoolers.

Kalie Hanisch and Traci Sees said they know how important it is for women of all ages to look – but more importantly to feel – their best on those big nights.

“This was an annual event in Lennox several years back, and then it stopped,” Hanisch said.

“Last year, a local student did something similar for her senior project and had some dresses leftover, so we connected to get dresses she had, started collecting more and knew it would be great for anyone in the area.”

So far, they have about 400 dresses.

They’re also collecting shoes, jewelry, bow ties for men, nail polish, body sprays and unused makeup that people want to donate for a big event. All clothing items should be clean and in good condition.

“It’s bigger than we expected it to be, and there has been a good turnout,” Hanisch said.

If you’d like to shop, they’re hosting a pop-up shop at Kidz Cottage Learning Center, 1100 S. Main St., where Hanisch is the owner. The pair together owns Rowdy Couture Boutique on the same property.

You can shop the event:

• Friday, March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donations must be dropped off by Wednesday

If those two dates don’t work, organizers are happy to accommodate to give everyone a chance to shop.

All high school girls in the area are invited to attend and browse the selection to take home a dress at no cost.

“The reason we decided to do this is we know a lot of people are struggling financially, and the last thing we want is people not being able to go, get the dress they want or get the accessories they need — or don’t want to burden parents with the cost, ” Hanisch said.

“It’s a very special moment in teenage years, and this is one less burden they have to figure out during this time,” she added. “Whatever we can do to help out.”

Hanisch and Sees have reached out to schools within an hour of Lennox to spread the word.

While the items are free, they say free-will donations will be accepted. The money raised will benefit the community’s school lunch program.

Inventory isn’t limited to high schoolers.

Hanisch said they’ve received a number of other special event dresses, including wedding dresses for the mother of the bride or groom.

“A lot of people are so glad this is back because a lot of them need help buying the dresses,” she said. “We look forward to keeping this going each year.”

If you’re interested in learning more, connect with Hanisch at [email protected] or call 605-951-8232.