GYC participants pause for a group shot amid preparations for Santa’s Workshop.
For more than 50 years, the Greensboro Youth Council (GYC) has provided high school students with opportunities to lead, serve, and grow. A program of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, GYC engages teens in volunteer work, leadership development, and hands-on event planning that benefits the entire community. From hosting Ghoulash, a scare-free Halloween event, to coordinating Santa’s Workshop, which distributes toys to families in need, GYC’s programs create meaningful experiences for both participants and the people they serve.
A key aspect of GYC’s impact is Greensboro Parks Foundation, which provides critical financial and administrative support to ensure these programs thrive. Acting as a fiscal sponsor, the Foundation helps GYC raise funds, manage donations, and track finances, allowing the organization to focus on what matters most—empowering youth to make a difference.
Making Prom Dreams a Reality: Camille’s Closet & Theo’s Threads
Each spring, GYC hosts Camille’s Closet & Theo’s Threads, a program dedicated to ensuring that no student misses out on the milestone experience of prom due to financial barriers. What began as a small initiative providing dresses to young women has expanded into a fully stocked pop-up shop offering free formalwear and accessories for both high school and middle school students.
“We want every teen to feel their best on prom night,” says Jasia Stevenson, GYC Coordinator. “One young woman came in feeling defeated because she needed a plus-size gown and worried she wouldn’t find anything. When she finally found the perfect dress, she cried, and our staff and volunteers cried with her. Moments like that remind us why this program is so important.”
Teens shop for prom gowns at Camille’s Closet & Theo’s Threads.
With rising costs making prom more expensive than ever, Camille’s Closet & Theo’s Threads ensures that every student—regardless of financial situation—can walk into prom feeling confident and excited.
How It Works:
✅ Students shop at a centrally located pop-up boutique
✅ The shop is open during the evening to accommodate busy schedules
✅ Each student receives a formalwear item, shoes, and accessories like ties, jewelry, and purses—all for free
For many students, the experience goes beyond just finding an outfit. “For some young men, this is the first time they’ve ever worn formal attire,” Stevenson shares. “One young man got his first-ever pair of dress shoes from us, and he was so proud to put them on.”
How You Can Help: Donations & Support Needed
To ensure every teen finds what they need, GYC relies on community donations. The most needed items this year include:
👗 Plus-size dresses (size 14 and up)
👞 Men’s dress shoes
💎 Accessories (ties, jewelry, purses, etc.)
Donation Guidelines:
✔️ Formalwear must be from 2018 or newer
✔️ Items should be free of stains, tears, discoloration, or missing embellishments
✔️ Shoes must be lightly worn with no scuff marks or heavy wear
The formalwear drive runs through March 7, and donations can be dropped off at designated locations. Monetary donations are also crucial—funds allow GYC to purchase sizes and styles not received during the drive, ensuring every student finds an outfit they love. Donations can also be made by shopping GYC’s Amazon wish list.
💵 Want to make an even bigger impact? Monetary gifts allow GYC to fill gaps in inventory and ensure every student has a variety of choices. Make a secure donation today online!
Greensboro Parks Foundation: The Support Behind the Success
While GYC is powered by dedicated teen volunteers, its success wouldn’t be possible without the behind-the-scenes support of the Greensboro Parks Foundation. The Foundation provides essential fiscal oversight, IT support, and accounting services, ensuring that all funds raised go directly toward strengthening GYC’s programs.
“Having the Greensboro Parks Foundation as a partner allows us to dream bigger,” says Stevenson. “They help us secure donations, promote our programs, and make sure we can continue providing these experiences for teens year after year.”
Thanks to this partnership, GYC has been able to expand its programs, increase accessibility, and reach more students than ever before.
Get Involved: Support GYC Today!
GYC’s success depends on the generosity of the Greensboro community. Whether you donate formalwear, make a financial contribution, or volunteer at an event, your support helps teens lead, grow, and serve.
📍 Donate formalwear by March 7
💵 Make a monetary gift to support youth programs
🙌 Volunteer at an upcoming event
To learn more, visit https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/teens/greensboro-youth-council and follow GYC wherever you’re social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greensboroyouthcouncil
TikTok: @gyc1962
Snapchat: @gyc1962
Instagram: @gyc_1962
Together, we can ensure that Greensboro’s youth continue to create, inspire, and lead!
February 7, 2025