Time to get your $5 prom dress

Excitement is building as the beloved annual prom dress sale—Melissa’s Closet & Crystal’s Jewelry Box—takes place Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Godley Park District gymnasium, 500 S. Kankakee St.
Laurie Becker, marketing director for Whitmore Ace Hardware has coordinated the event for more than 15 years. She’s anticipating crowds of budget-conscious girls and moms on Saturday.
“I think this is going to be our best year ever –– we even had someone donate 54 dresses this week,” Becker said. “Dress collection has been great, such amazing customer support for our kids. “
Well into its second decade, Melissa’s Closet & Crystal’s Jewelry Box has become a springtime staple for high school students across Grundy, Will, and surrounding counties, offering affordable prom dresses priced at just $5, along with gently used accessories like shoes, purses and jewelry.
The event was originally launched to honor the memories of Melissa Michalowski and her friend Crystal Carr, whose passing due to an automobile accident led community members—including Whitmore Ace Hardware staff and volunteers—to create a way to make prom attire more accessible for all students. Over the years, the event has outfitted thousands of teens and grown into a meaningful annual fundraiser that also supports local scholarships.
What to expect
As Melissa’s Closet has grown, so have donations. Hundreds of prom and formal dresses in a wide range of styles and sizes will be available for purchase.
Attendees may complement their prom looks with matching accessories to complete the look.
Hair stylists and “fashionistas” will also be on hand to offer practical services as well as tips and tricks to make the most of prom.
More than 100 volunteers help with setup, styling, and assisting students throughout the event.
“As usual this works because of the great volunteers we have. Our goal as always is to get students a beautiful dress for prom or homecoming,” Becker said. “I hope all students will attend!”
Event organizers continue to seek donations of clean, gently used dresses, shoes, and accessories at participating Whitmore Ace Hardware locations in Braidwood, Coal City Wilmington prior to the sale. They welcome volunteers for both setup on Friday and event day operations.
Parents and students planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, as the sale is known to draw steady crowds eager to find the perfect dress.
For more details about dress donations, volunteering, or the sale itself, visit the event’s Facebook page, “Melissa’s Closet & Crystal’s Jewelry Box,” or call (815) 476-7731.