The cvFree Prom Closet now has over 300 prom dresses available to rent for a $20 refundable deposit, as well as suits, shoes, and jewelry. The Closet will be hosting open houses for students to try on dresses on March 9, 12, and 27; April 1, 12, 25, and 30; and May 10, 11, and 16. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — For the ninth year running, the cvFree Prom Closet, located in cvFree Church at 4299 State Highway 23 in Norwich, will be holding several open houses through the prom season for local students to come in and try on prom dresses available to borrow.

The Closet now has over 300 dresses in stock, ranging in size from 00 to 32. They also have suits, shoes, and jewelry available.

"Tuesday we had a community member donate 30 gowns, and most of them are like brand new condition, and then we just had a donation of about ten more dresses come today," said cvFree Prom Closet Co-Lead Jensyn Penta. "The majority of them are brand new with tags."

Borrowing from the Prom Closet costs a $20 deposit that is refunded when the dress and any other borrowed items are returned, so long as there is no damage to them.

Open house dates are scheduled for March 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; March 12 and 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; April 1, 12, 25, and 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; May 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.; and May 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

No registration is required; students from any school in the area are free to show up during an open house to try on dresses.