To create a magical prom, Senior Andover Central helps girls find gowns, free gowns

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Prom promises to be a magical night for many high schoolers with friends and celebration.

With all that glitz and glamour, the cost of attending prom can be an obstacle for some students. In addition to Central senior and Prom Dress Drive organizer, McKinnley Evans wanted to lighten the load.

“They should have the opportunity to keep shopping and still be able to see all the dresses and try on everything without worry,” says Evans.

In a room in the Andover School District Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) building, sequins, silks and styles fill it with prom vibes.

“All the work we’ve put in, everything we’ve put in, is built for something and having fun day and night with my friends,” says volunteer Kayla Atkinson.

Although building dances and big celebrations it can be another experience.

“It’s very stressful. You worry about finding a date or who you’re going to go out with and what you’re going to wear,” says Evans.

Finding what to wear, Evans knows, can be influenced by the price of a formal dress.

“I was actually shopping with my mom, and I had tried on a dress that I really liked, and it was way more expensive than I thought it would be, and my parents surprised me with the dress,” says Evans. “I’m really grateful, but I also realize that not everyone can do that. I want girls to be able to find dresses they feel confident and comfortable in without the price tags to scare them.”

That experience led Evans to organize the Prom Dress Drive last year, and brought him back this year.

“Prom is an experience that a lot of people get into, even if they feel like they can’t afford it or that there are only a few limitations,” says Prom Dress Drive volunteer Madelyn George.

Through Prom Drive Dress, cost doesn’t have to deprive students of the opportunity to go out with friends and celebrate a memorable evening.

“My favorite part is walking into our locker room and seeing the girls giggling to each other,” said Evans. “I’m so excited this year that we got a big donation from Dress Gallery as well as partnering with Quickstitch for change. I’m really excited because it looks like it’s continuing to build.

Evans is doing this as a passion project through his CAPS program, which focuses on career development.

This year’s Prom Dress Drive had about 200 dresses donated to the effort. Evans’ friends helped organize and get them ready so the dresses could be delivered.

“A week or two beforehand, we organize the dresses and put them on the shelves, and we set up the space,” says Atkinson.

While volunteering, George says he can find the perfect prom dress, which provides significant relief.

“Prom dress shopping is one of my least favorite things. Shopping for clothes in general.” George said, “I don’t like going to the mall too much. This is a very stressful situation for me, so to be able to come here and find a dress that I enjoy and feel comfortable in is something that takes my breath away and is a weight off my shoulders.

As they prepare for their next giveaway, Evans is also looking to the future of this endeavor.

“I hope to bring some juniors in on the CAPS program, so that this can continue because we have so many dresses and so many people keep wanting to donate,” she said.

The next giveaway is planned for February 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CAPS building (1401 W 13th St, Andover, Kansas). It is open to students in Andover and surrounding school districts. Quickstich contributed his changes.

Prom dress donations are still being accepted. People can call the front office at 316-218-4640 to schedule a drop-off or email Evans at [email protected].

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