What began with a donation of brand-new prom and homecoming dresses has grown into a new student resource at Milan High School, where an empty office in the counseling department has been turned into a clothes closet stocked with formalwear, accessories, school spirit clothing and other essentials.
The MHS Clothes Closet is in its first year in this form, though Christina Barbara, a school counselor for 11th- and 12th-grade students at Milan High, said the school offered a smaller prom clothing effort a couple of years ago. This version began after Elise Hill, the district school social worker, received a donation from a community member.
“We’ve received about 60 dresses both short and long, 2 suit coats, 10 pairs of shoes and 100 pieces of jewelry,” Barbara said in an email.
The collection now includes gowns in a range of colors and styles, along with bags, shoes and jewelry displayed in a space that feels more like a boutique than a storage room. It also includes Milan sweatshirts and T-shirts, plus pants and shorts donated by staff for students who may need them during the school year.
Barbara said donated graduation gowns are also available, which can help ease costs for families.
The room itself reflects a broad team effort. Barbara said Matt Walline’s building trades students built wooden shelves and display areas for the items, helping turn the once-empty office into a more welcoming space. Decorative items were also donated, and Melissa Fiederlein, a teacher consultant at Milan High, created the graphics for posters and social media posts.
The space also carries a strong student touch. During a visit this week, Barbara showed off the growing display while senior Keegan Bates worked nearby on a mural designed to brighten and personalize the hallway next to the closet.
Barbara said the school hopes the project will continue to grow.
“We would love for this to continue each year, especially since the space will be set up,” she said. “It will definitely continue for homecoming since homecoming tends towards short dresses and we have a good supply of those as well, though we could use more size variety.”
Students can stop by the counseling office between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Families also can email Barbara to arrange a time if needed. Community members interested in donating items can contact Milan High School’s main office at 734-439-5000 to ask about current needs.
What started with prom dresses is already becoming something broader: a year-round resource to help students prepare for school events, milestone moments and everyday life.
Featured photo: A selection of formal dresses is displayed inside the Milan High School Clothes Closet, which offers students access to prom wear, accessories and everyday clothing. Photo by Heather Finch
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
