Expanding year-round support for Northern Nevada children in foster care
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Rodeo Foundation will launch its inaugural Spring Denim Drive from May 1 through June 30, expanding a long-standing program that provides brand-new clothing, shoes and essential items to children entering foster care across Northern Nevada.
While many in the community know Denim Drive through its holiday campaign, the program operates year-round to help meet the ongoing needs of children entering care, changing placements or outgrowing what they have. Through both in-kind and monetary donations, the Foundation helps ensure children can access essentials when they need them most. Monetary contributions also allow caseworkers to take children on personalized shopping trips, giving them the opportunity to choose items that fit and reflect their preferences.
Since 2016, the program has provided new clothing and essentials to 4,258 children and delivered $1.28 million in support to foster children across Northern Nevada. In 2025 alone, Denim Drive provided new clothing and essentials to 722 children and delivered $207,541 in support.
“Children don’t only need support during the holidays — they need it all year long,” said Cheree Boteler, executive director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation. “The Spring Denim Drive helps give participating partners the opportunity ensure children entering care or facing a major transition have access to new clothing and essentials at the moment they need them most.”
To kick off the campaign, the Reno Rodeo Foundation will host a Denim Drive launch event on May 2 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Reno Public Market. The free, family-friendly event will feature raffle prizes and give participating partners an opportunity to pick up official donation boxes ahead of the drive. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more about the program and get involved in supporting children in foster care across Northern Nevada.
Community members can support the Spring Denim Drive through monetary donations, new clothing and essential items, or by partnering with the Foundation as a drop-off site or sponsor. The program is supported by individuals, businesses and community partners across the region, and all monetary and material donations designated to a specific Northern Nevada county remain within that community.
By expanding its community campaign efforts into the spring, the Foundation is strengthening a program that has served foster children across 14 Northern Nevada counties for two decades. More information, including how to donate or become a partner, is available at RenoRodeoFoundation.org/programs/denim-drive.
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About the Reno Rodeo Foundation
Established in 1986, the Reno Rodeo Foundation is a Nevada-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children and families in Northern Nevada. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $8.3 million through programs supporting vulnerable youth. Key initiatives include the Denim Drive, which provides foster children with new clothing and hygiene items; scholarships for high school graduates and college students; life-enhancing Rodeo Wishes for children with medical conditions; and Reading Rooms, offering comfort to children in family court.
Annual community events like Bingo Brunch (Aug. 23, 2026), Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament (Oct. 3, 2026) and the Biggest Little Shootout (Sept. 12, 2026), support these programs. Stay connected with the Reno Rodeo Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X and visit RenoRodeoFoundation.org for more information.
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