Students in need of a prom dress or shoes are invited to shop at the fourth annual CU Prom Giveaway, located in the Lincoln Building at 44 E Main Street in downtown Champaign. 

After distributing nearly 3,000 dresses, hundreds of pairs of shoes, over 200 suits and handbags, and 750 pounds of jewelry over the past two years, the event aims to collect and give away more than 1,000 formalwear items this year—all free of charge.

Donations of formalwear and accessories are still being accepted at several locations across Champaign, including Farren’s restaurant, Fire Doll candle studio, Beads N Botanicals, Catch My Thrift in Lincoln Square Mall, Keller Williams at 2441 Village Green Place, and directly at the giveaway location during designated hours. Items such as dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, and handbags are all welcome.

“The more items we have, the better the chance that every kid will find something that they love,” said event organizer Mike Ingram. “And maybe they’ll also find a graduation dress or a pair of shoes for a wedding. We take all kinds of donations and if someone can use it for something, that’s great.”

One standout feature of the event is its alteration services provided by Paula Strong, a veteran volunteer who has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure students leave with perfectly fitting attire. 

“I can’t work miracles,” Strong joked, “but I do try very hard.” 

The boutique will be open on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and April 13 from 2-5 p.m. Shoppers can also find what they need on April 15 from 3-6 p.m. and on April 17 from 3-6 p.m.

Christine Windelborn, a local boutique owner and longtime volunteer, highlighted that no item goes to waste. Leftover items are distributed to local organizations or made available to parents and other non-prom attendees who might benefit from them.