Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive Returns Nov. 13–Dec. 31
By: Melissa Waters
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Rodeo Foundation’s (RRF) annual Denim Drive which began in 2006, returns Nov. 13 through Dec. 31 for its campaign of collecting life-changing donations to serve infants, children and teens in foster care across 14 Northern Nevada counties.
“What most people don’t realize about the Denim Drive is that 100% of all donations go directly to these children,” said Debby Herman, Reno Rodeo Foundation President and SVP of Nevada State Bank. “We’ve been supporting the program since its beginning because we understand the amazing impact this makes for children who have experienced the unimaginable.”
When the Denim Drive was established nearly two decades ago, the primary focus was clothing donations; however, when children are removed from their homes, they lack basic essentials that extend beyond clothing, such as hygiene products and shoes. The program responded to this need and now prioritizes monetary donations that allow the Reno Rodeo Foundation and their Washoe County Human Services and State of Nevada Division of Child and Family Services partners to use RRF Purchase Cards to purchase items that are targeted towards each child’s specific needs.
According to social workers and caseworkers, when kids can pick out their own items, it gives them a sense of pride, calms their anxiety from the trauma, boosts their confidence and allows them to express their individual style while teaching them crucial life skills that help them feel normal. It sends a message that someone really cares about them.
Social workers and case managers throughout the 14 Northern Nevada counties use the RRF Purchase Card program to make purchases at the time they need it the most. To meet the needs of foster children across these 14 counties, the 2023 Denim Drive program’s goal is to raise at least $200,000 — a feat that is accomplished through generous donations from the community and the tireless work of volunteers.
Although the Denim Drive has evolved from its humble beginnings, the program has never wavered in its mission to provide critical essentials to meet the immediate needs of infants, children and teens experiencing extraordinary circumstances when they can no longer safely stay with their families. Since 2006, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has donated close to $2 million supporting thousands of infants, children and teens. Contributions to the Denim Drive also benefit foster youth aging out of the system with access to new clothing for employment and educational scholarships.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation relies on the generous contributions from the community to continue their impactful work. Supporters can donate to the Denim Drive by texting “Denim Drive” to 44321, calling 775-322-9875 or visiting RenoRodeoFoundation.org.
Almost 100 drop-off locations will be available for new clothing donations. All clothing items collected in a particular county stay in that county, and 100% of all financial donations directly benefit the Denim Drive children.
In addition to direct donations, supporters can also purchase a ticket for the Buckin’ Good raffle to benefit deserving children in foster care. The winner’s package includes a night in the 2024 Reno Rodeo Branding Room for 10 on Saturday, June 22, including dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, and Reno Rodeo tickets. The winner will also receive 10 tickets for the K-BULL 98.1 FM Reno Rodeo Kick-Off Concert on Wednesday, June 19 and a beautiful limited-edition Reno Rodeo 2024 Belt Buckle. Tickets can be purchased for $25 each or five tickets for $100. The Buckin’ Good raffle drawing closes on Sunday, Dec. 31, and the winner will be announced on the morning of Monday, Jan. 8 on K-BULL 98.1 FM.
For more information on the Denim Drive and the Reno Rodeo Foundation or to make a donation, visit RenoRodeoFoundation.org or call 775-322-9875.