Prom Dress Express is open at Columbia Falls High School.

New prom dresses often come with a hefty price tag, so the high school’s chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is selling prom dresses for $15.

Members have been making prom dresses affordable for about five years. 

Chapter adviser and family consumer sciences teacher Lynne Thuesen said members didn’t want a dress to be a financial barrier for a girl who wants to attend prom. Prom Dress Express also appeals to the eco-conscious who are into the concept of recycling and reusing, she said. 

The Prom Dress Express has a mix of about 20 vintage and contemporary dresses. When contemporary dresses come in, they fly right off the rack, Thuesen said. 

Past prom-goers are asked to dig into their closets and donate dresses that have already made their one-night-only appearance. Donations of dress shoes and accessories also are welcomed. 

Donations may be dropped off at high school main office.

The Prom Dress Express is open during from 11:57 a.m. to 12:33 p.m. on school days except Wednesdays, when it will be open from 12:13 to 12:45. Special arrangements may be made to shop for dresses by calling Thuesen at 892-6500, extension 233. Sewing students may be available to hem dresses.

Prom is March 21 at Columbia Falls High School.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.