South Brunswick District's Viking Closet Event Promises To Be Bigger, Better In 2025

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Every year as prom season approaches, South Brunswick High School students start operating their “clothing store” to give out clothes and accessories for free.

The Viking Closet, an after-school service club, holds an annual Red Carpet Prom Dress Event where students can 'shop' hundreds of dresses for free.

The closet is currently open and anyone in need of clothes or accessories can visit the store. The red carpet event will be held on March 29.

This year’s inventory includes donated items received from members of local and surrounding communities. These items are sorted, washed, and then displayed for students to 'shop.'

“The Viking Closet has been part of the SBHS for many years, I have served as the Viking Closet Staff Advisor for the last six years,” said Carla Garcia, a social worker at South Brunswick School District.

“The closet has grown in size, inventory, and membership in those last six years as the Viking Closet has become well known in the community. I receive emails almost weekly from people looking to donate items and it is always exciting to see what different people and organizations we have reached.”

The Viking Closet stocks high school-appropriate items like sweatpants, jeans, hoodies, and clothing students may need after school.

The club also has a few businesses that donate on a regular basis. Lola's in Manalapan and Fear0 Footwear in South Brunswick are regular donors, Garcia said.

“We are always open to working with businesses who would like to donate clothing and accessories to the closet.”

Students- current and past, also frequently donate to the closet.

“Dresses are donated throughout the school year and we accept new and gently loved short and long prom and bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and accessories. I frequently receive phone calls from women stating "I have this dress I only wore once, it is beautiful. Can you use it?" or "I bought two dresses and only wore one. Can I donate that dress?" The answer is always yes! We like to stock as many dresses as possible so we have an extensive inventory for students to shop,” Garcia said.

The popularity of the Viking Closet is not limited to South Brunswick alone.

Last year, the club had 154 scheduled appointments from 18 school districts across the state.

“We had about 10 walk-in appointments. We did have new districts come last year, a few magnet schools as far north as Iselin,” Garcia said.

Last year’s attendance surpassed 2023 when Viking Closet had 146 scheduled appointments.

While the closet is currently operational, the special red carpet event will take place Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the South Brunswick High School.

“The day of the event is filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement as students find the dress that will make their prom experience special. Students from any school district can sign up for a shopping appointment,” Garcia said.

“The reach of the Red Carpet Prom Dress Event spreads every year. The 2024 event attracted students from 18 different school districts and we hope to continue to grow that number.”

Students interested in visiting the Viking Closet can sign up through this link. Appointments are highly recommended so organizers can ensure enough dressing rooms are available for guests.

Anyone interested in donating items can email Carla.Garcia@sbschools.org to set up a time to drop them off.

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