Thanks to community leaders, some creative options for securing dresses and formalwear for prom are happening this spring
Prom dress giveaways and information on where to donate
Have a prom dress to donate? Perhaps you’re looking for a prom dress but money is tight. Say “YES” to the prom dress (and other related formalwear) in Champaign-Urbana when you donate, consign, or browse for a new-to-you prom dress.
Here are some creative options for finding a prom dress this season. Please note, available dresses will be limited in quantity and you must check with giveaway organizers for any additional restrictions, such as being an enrolled student at a specific school district.
Looking to donate dresses or formalwear?
Mike Ingram is collecting dresses, shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and more for this year’s C-U Prom Giveaway. Please do not donate items that need to be cleaned; his team of sewists can handle minor repairs (reattaching a strap, for example). Drop off your donations during open hours at Farren’s, Beads N Botanicals, Fire Doll Studio, Catch My Thrift, NuEra, Keller Williams, and Bare in St. Joseph. Items can also be dropped at the C-U Prom Giveaway location at 41. E. University Ave., Champaign.
Uniting Pride is collecting formalwear for its Queer Prom at its offices at the University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St.), through May 6. Donate formal or semi-formal wear — dresses, suits, skirts, blouses, slacks, blazers, whatever — to Uniting Pride. Masculine clothing is especially needed.
At other times of year, you can always ask your local high school’s drama department if they would be interested in receiving a formalwear donation.
Giveaways for the 2026 prom season
C-U Prom Giveaway (for anyone)
Taking inspiration from his aunts’ Rossville resale shop that has given away hundreds of prom dresses over the years, former Champaign County Recorder of Deeds Mike Ingram has coordinated an annual prom dress/accessories giveaway in Champaign since 2022.
Anyone is welcome (students and adults alike), and every single item is free — including dresses, shoes, clutches, hats, jewelry, and other accessories.
Open hours are March 31 from 3-7 p.m. and April 2 from 3-7 p.m. More hours will be announcing during a three-week period. The giveaway takes place at the Traction Building at 41. E. University Ave., Champaign.
For more information or updates, check in with the Facebook event.
Uniting Pride Queer Prom 2026 (for friends of Uniting Pride)
Youth ages 13-18 who are attending Uniting Pride’s Queer Prom will have the opportunity beforehand to peruse donated formalwear (and accessories) and dress authentically in a safe, empowering, affirming environment. Queer Prom is scheduled for May 8 from 6-9 p.m. More information is available here.