For almost 20 years, the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive has been more than a campaign—it has been a lifeline of comfort, dignity, and hope for abused, neglected, and abandoned infants, children, and teens across 14 Northern Nevada counties. What began as a clothing collection has grown into a year-round promise that no child entering foster care will be forgotten.

2024 Impact

• $74,763 raised to support children in foster care in 14 Northern Nevada counties.
• 133 children attended our January 2025 distribution event, with an additional 45 children receiving essentials shipped directly to their doorsteps.
• $3,500 worth of diapers provided to foster families in need.
• 589 children experienced individual shopping trips with their caseworkers—an average of $300 invested per child.

2025-2026 Plans & Goals

As we gear up to celebrate our 20th anniversary, the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive continues to grow in reach and impact, expanding our ability to serve children across all 14 Northern Nevada counties.

Funding the Denim Drive is no small task. Each year, it takes more than $200,000 to provide brand-new clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene items, and other essentials to children entering foster care. For 2025–2026, we have set a revenue goal of $200,000, but the truth is the need in our community stretches far beyond that number. Behind every dollar is a child stepping into the uncertainty of foster care—often scared, often with nothing of their own. Your generosity ensures they are not left to face those moments alone but instead receive comfort, dignity, and hope when they need it most.

With your support, we will:

• Host at least two official distribution events (January and August) serving 250–300 children.
• Provide at least $3,500 in diapers to foster families in need.
• Provide more than 600 individual shopping trips with caseworkers with an average of $300 invested per child.
• Launch an online shopping experience for caseworkers and foster families. This new platform will ensure that clothing and essentials are delivered directly to children’s doorsteps at no cost to them, removing barriers of distance and access.
• Remodel our Kids Kottage closet, in partnership with the Katie Grace Foundation, to create a warm, welcoming space for children in crisis
  

Meeting this goal is only possible with the generosity of our community. Every gift—whether large or small—helps ensure children facing their darkest moments are met with compassion, dignity, and hope.

How You Can Help

• Partner with us. Businesses, schools, and community groups can serve as official collection sites or rally their networks to gather clothing, diapers, and hygiene items—creating a ripple effect of awareness and generosity across Northern Nevada.
• Become a recurring donor. Monthly giving sustains the Denim Drive year-round and directly impacts children in foster care:
  • $25/month ($300/year): Provides a full shopping experience for one child.
  • $50/month ($600/year): Supports two children with shopping experiences tailored to their needs.
  • $100/month ($1,200/year): Transforms the lives of four children, ensuring they each feel seen, valued, and cared for.
• Give directly. Since 2016, the Denim Drive has emphasized monetary donations, which allow caseworkers to purchase exactly what each child needs—providing flexibility, dignity, and normalcy in moments of crisis.
• Donate items. We welcome new clothing, diapers, and hygiene items at official drop-off locations from November 1 through December 31. Outside of those times, donors can call 775.322.9875 or email info@renorodeofoundation.org to arrange a drop-off. For added convenience, our Amazon Wish List ships essential and special-request items directly to the Foundation for distribution.
  

All clothing collected in a county stays in that county (unless otherwise specified), and monetary donors may also direct their contributions to a specific county. This ensures your gift directly benefits children in the communities you care about most.

The Denim Drive is more than an initiative—it is a promise that every child entering foster care is seen, valued, and never forgotten.