Each spring, prom season rolls around. The “promposals” begin, girls go shopping for their dresses and moms and dads break out the video camera to capture their little girl on her special night.

Once a year, the Apex Prom Shoppe opens its doors at the Apex United Methodist Church to provide free prom dresses and accessories.

But for those who can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars getting dolled up, The Prom Shoppe, an outreach ministry of the Apex United Methodist Church Family of Faith Communities, is there to help make those teen dreams come true. Now in its 12th year, the nonprofit provides dresses, jewelry, makeup, shoes and accessories free of charge for teen girls who cannot afford to buy an outfit for the prom.

“We saw the need, and it became our mission,” said Brandy Sadler, committee member and volunteer director.

This year’s two-day event is 3-7 p.m., Friday, March 20, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at the Apex United Methodist Church.

“The average cost for prom today is $1,000,” Sadler said. “That’s just not doable for a lot of families. We are here to alleviate that burden for young girls and their families.”

Last year, the nonprofit gave away 500 dresses. This year, there will be more than 2,000 dresses for customers to choose from, all donated from former prom-goers, bridal shops and more.

“This mission is about relationships, changing lives,” Sadler said. “Some of these ladies have never been told they’re beautiful. I love that we can give them this opportunity to have a beautiful dress and boost their self-esteem. Every young lady deserves a beautiful dress.”

In addition to prom dresses, the nonprofit also supplies makeup and other accessories for girls to complete their outfits for the dance.

Donations can be made anytime at the church. Be on the lookout for additional donation locations in early 2021.

Learn more about the Apex Prom Shoppe at the group’s Facebook page.