NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A local non-profit is now accepting donations to help their community closet in New Braunfels.
The Givin’ Tree is a clothing closet that offers students free formal wear for special occasions like prom, quinceañeras interviews, and even church.
Founder Serena Morris said the Givin' Tree is in dire need of industrial strength racks on wheels and heavy-duty storage bins for the abundant donations they are expecting and receiving. As of now the dresses are stored in Morris's garage but it quickly gets filled since the Givin' Tree collects donations year-round.
Morris said the Givin' Tree provides formal wear, shoes, jewelry, purses and many of the items look brand new and still have tags on them. They currently have about 200 prom dresses and 100 quinceañera and wedding dresses.
According to residents the Givin' Tree is a great community resource and helps several students alleviate the pressure and stress of buying expensive formal wear for special events.
“I love it and the fact that we get to do this. And eventually I want to make this my job and just provide clothing to students who need it," Morris said.
On March 23 and 24 the Givin' Tree will host their annual prom shopping event, Princess 4 A Night. Students who want to attend will need to bring their school ID's and sign in.
Parents describe it as the perfect place to browse for all kinds of events, not just prom including sweet 16 parties, quinceañeras, homecoming, and even weddings.
Morris said her long term goal is to open a formal wear shop and be able to provide items for free to the community.
Morris appreciates all the volunteers who help out with the Givin' Tree and said most of their men's clothing is actually donated from local thrift stores. She said it's been amazing to watch the community help her out and she's especially thankful for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Thrift Store and the Westside Community Center.
“That’s kind of why we’re called the Givin’ Tree because everything we’re given, we give back to the community and they do the same for us," Morris added.
The Givin' Tree started in 2018 with Morris going to New Braunfels High School and Canyon High School to offer formal wear to students in need. She said the Givin' Tree emerged from a simple idea of wanting every student to experience prom without worrying about the cost.
“I just wanted to make sure students could go to prom and not feel excluded or left out," Morris explained.
In 2018 Morris said they gave out 50 dresses but over the years the non-profit has grown and last year they gave out 200 prom dresses and served 22 high schools from all around Central Texas.
For more information about the Givin' Tree contact Serena Morris at 210-325-7334 or email the givintree.nb@gmail.com.
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