We have a FREE checkout service here at Vilonia High School that offers ​formal and semi-formal dresses, men's suits, shoes, purses, and jewelry to anyone regardless of income.

Has your daughter always wanted to try a pageant, but you didn't want to spend the money on a dress?

Is your son needing a suit for that special occasion?

​Maybe you have a formal event such as a military ball or prom but you don't want to spend the money on a dress or suit for one night.

If you are in need of a dress or suit for any occasion, please fill out this form to request an appointment.  

We are available by appointment only since we are housed in a school, and I may have classes scheduled. This is a volunteer-run operation. If you set an appointment, please arrive on time. If we arrange a time after school, again, please respect my time by showing up on time. 

We have sizes ranging from 00 Juniors to a few 28 women's.

Dresses are limited so the earlier you stop by, the better your choices. 

NOTE: We NO LONGER CARRY CHILDREN'S SIZES. Sorry, we just didn't have the room. 

People have donated hundreds of dresses for others in our community and beyond to be able to use. 

The closet is located in the Vilonia High School Library and run mostly by Mrs. Atkins. I am here during the school year from 7:30am-3:30pm whenever school is open; however, you must schedule a time to come in and look. A parent must be present for anyone under 16 years old.  

If you find the dress you like, you check it out for FREE just like a library book.  Dresses are due back within 2 weeks after your event. If you get it dirty or damage it, you are to get it cleaned or repaired if possible. 

​If you have a dress to donate, please drop it off at Vilonia High School. Thank you! 

​1. Who can checkout a dress/suit? 

A. Anyone from anywhere with a reason to need a formal or suit. We have dressed girls/ladies/men for prom, homecoming, Valentine's Dances, Winter Formals, military balls, weddings, funerals, pageants, cruise ship formal nights and more!

2. Is checkout really free?

A. Yes, all dresses were donated so that others could check them out. All we ask is you take good care of our items and return within 2 weeks of your event. 

3. How long can a formal or suit be checked out? 

A. As soon as you know you need a suit/formal, please set up an appointment to find something, even if your event is still a month or so away...it's better to come in as soon as you know you need something than to wait until last minute.  All items are due back 2 weeks after your event.  If you need it for a longer period of time (getting it cleaned, repaired, etc.), please let us know.

4. What sizes do you carry? 

A. Our dresses are women/junior sizes 00 to 28 (we do have a few larger than 28). We have both long and short dresses. We do have a few men's suits and sizes vary.

5. How do we set up an appointment to try on? 

A. Fill out this form to request an appointment. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhxiMbuoevAeTadg9c1qbhGfvP4aWRuGlL9zRNyTzfuMBrwQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

6.  Can you send pics of what you have that might fit my needs?

A. No. This is a volunteer-run closet, and I'm too busy to do your shopping for you. If you want to look at the selection, you will need to make an appointment. Plus, everyone is shaped differently, and what might fit one young lady who is a size 6 might not fit a different young lady who is size 6.

We often post pics of donations on our Facebook site to give you an idea of the types of dresses we have. We fit hundreds of ladies and gentlemen a year, so we have a nice selection. :) 

7. Can dresses be altered? 

A. Minor alterations which can be undone are allowed. Any other alterations must be approved prior to being made.

8. How can we donate dresses/suits?

A. Dresses, suits, ties, belts, vests, shoes, jewelry, and purses can be dropped off at Vilonia High School during school hours. Due to a lack of space, we do not take bridesmaids or wedding dresses or less formal dresses unless they are a style a teen would want to wear to prom or homecoming. 

If alternate hours are needed or if we need to make arrangements to meet, please contact 501-733-4678.

9. Where is it located?

A. The Vilonia High School Library at 1164 Main Street, Vilonia Arkansas 72173

10. What happens if we get it dirty or damage the formal?

A. If you get the formal dirty or smelly, take it to the cleaners.

Please keep all dresses away from cigarette smoke and pets.

If the formal is damaged and can be repaired, you are expected to take care of that. Anything beyond that will be dealt with on an individual basis.

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11. What happens to formals that are no longer needed? 

A. Because we have a limited amount of space, we often have to weed out older styles, items with stains, items that are more mature than the majority of our wearers, or items that may have been checked out so often is it time to for it to retire. (We have had several gowns that have been worn on over 20 different occasions!!)

When we weed out our formals, we may sell some (ebay, dress sales, marketplace, etc.). The money from those sales go toward purchasing gowns/suits of needed sizes. Others are donated to the Vilonia drama department. We also have gown giveaways at school where students can pick out gowns/dresses to take home. Some are used for costumes, church events, weddings, etc. We try to find each gown a new home. :)