Cypress Assistance Ministries Partners with Local Businesses for High School Prom Dress Donation Drive
Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM), a faith-based nonprofit organization in the heart of Cy-Fair, is partnering with several local businesses for a noble cause: to collect and distribute gently used prom dresses to students in need. Originating from a conversation between Stacy Avist of Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home and Rebecca Robertson of Community Impact, this initiative, known as the "Gift a Gown" campaign, aims to bring a little extra joy and sparkle to the high school prom experience.
Stacy Avist, the inspiration behind this initiative, recalls a similar community effort from her hometown. With prom on the horizon, Stacy wanted to help bring a similar initiative to her current community, leading to the birth of this meaningful project. With the help of Rebecca, who connected Stacy to Cypress Assistance Ministries and identified potential business partners, the dress donation drive found its footing.
"Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM) is pleased to partner with local businesses to help CFISD students in need of formal wear for Prom," said CAM's executive director, Martha Burnes.
Prom is a pivotal event in a student's high school journey, but not all families can afford the high costs of attire, which can easily reach up to $200 to $300 for a dress alone. "By partnering with local businesses, as a community, we can alleviate some of that stress by gifting students gently used prom dresses," Burnes added.
Through May 15, teen students need only present their CFISD student ID to receive a voucher for a complimentary gown or dress from the resale shop, which is equipped with a fitting room, during normal business hours. Formal attire will also be available to middle school students who wish to attend a school sanctioned formal dance.
Donors can drop off dresses at various locations, which will be available to students through CAM's Angel's Attic Resale Shop. The resale shop also accepts donations for shoes and accessories, with proceeds supporting CAM's many community programs and services.
The following are the partnering drop-off sites: Adventure Kids Playcare, Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Bread Pudding, Creekwood Grill, Community Impact, D’Lites Houston, Pizzaiolo’s, and Farmers Insurance.
The last day for donation drop-offs is April 30. So, if you have a dress hanging in your closet without any future plans, why not donate it and bring a little joy to a local high school student's life?
"This initiative is important to CAM and the people we serve. It allows all our neighbors to contribute something tangible to students, to help them celebrate this important event in their lives," says Burnes. She encourages community members to support this cause, stating that, by doing so, we ensure every local high school student has the opportunity to make lifelong memories with their friends and classmates.
To learn more about the different programs and services of Cypress Assistance Ministries, visit their website at cypressassistance.org or follow them on social media for weekly discount announcements at Angel's Attic Resale store.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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