WILLIAMSBURG – Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) will host its annual Prom Boutique in April, offering local high school students free prom attire and accessories in an effort to ease the financial burden often associated with the event.
The Prom Boutique will take place Apr.14-16 at Legacy Hall. The event will be open each day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The program was created to support students and families who may struggle to afford the costs tied to prom, including formal attire, shoes, and accessories.
“The original intent is to make sure that there’s some students initially just in Grove that financially couldn’t get the required items that are at most proms,” said Matt Polino, GCOC development manager. “You start to add those things up, and the cost for just a single night, that is supposed to be something you remember forever… it can cause a lot of stress on parents and the student.”
While GCOC is widely known for addressing food insecurity, Polino said the Prom Boutique is part of a broader, holistic approach to community outreach.
“This became just another one of those special programs… trying to make it a fun experience so they don’t have to stress too much,” he said.
Students who attend the boutique will have access to hundreds of donated items, including dresses, tuxedos, shoes, handbags and makeup. Polino said last year’s event featured more than 300 dresses, about 100 pairs of shoes, and 40 to 50 tuxedos, along with accessories such as cummerbunds and bow ties.
The event also includes fitting rooms, volunteers to assist with styling and coordination, and a photo booth so students can capture the experience.
“It gave that normalcy of what it’s like to go dress shopping,” Polino said. “That’s what we brought. That’s what I saw.”
Community donations play a significant role in making the event possible. Polino recalled a recent dress donation from a mother whose daughter had worn the gown only once.
“She’s like, ‘My daughter spent $700 on this dress for one night,’” he said. “I can’t wait to hear that this went to somebody because that’s going to save somebody $700.”
Donations of prom-related items are being accepted through Apr. 10 to allow time for preparation ahead of the event. GCOC also welcomes monetary donations to help purchase additional supplies as needed.
Approximately 10 volunteers are expected to be on site each day to assist students, including volunteers dedicated to check-in, fittings, tuxedos, makeup and accessories. Matt noted a particular need for male volunteers to assist young men with formalwear.
“I want to make sure that there’s maybe a dad, an uncle or grandfather… to help some of the younger guys, especially with the ties,” he said.
Students can register for the Prom Boutique by contacting the organization’s special programs coordinator at trinity@groveoutreach.com or by calling 757-887-1009. Registration is also available in person for individuals visiting Grove’s Gathering Place for services.
For families who may feel hesitant about participating, Polino emphasized that the program is rooted in dignity and community support.
“Our goal specifically is to make people find that connection… to give dignity back and then to get that normalcy back in their lives too,” he said. “Even if it’s something as simple as picking out a prom dress.”
