What we do...
The mission of the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Foundation’s Dress The Child program is to provide new clothing and shoes for children living in the poorest families in Dona Ana County. Many of these children have never had new clothes and have never had the opportunity to shop for clothes that might be appealing to them. The founders and program volunteers believe that children whom do not have adequate clothing can’t help but have lower self esteem than other children and tend to perform poorly in school and suffer from other social issues. We believe that by providing these children with new clothes, these kids will have better self worth, an improved opportunity for scholastic success, and have an opportunity for a better life.
The program funds $100 for the purchase of new clothing and shoes for every child selected (no toys or backpacks are funded). Our retailing partners contribute anywhere from 15-30% in store discounts, and since the program is exempt from taxes, every child receives $115 - $130 in new clothes.
There is NO administrative expense associated with Dress The Child. It is 100% volunteer staffed and operated, so every penny of donated funds goes to dressing children!
The program funds $100 for the purchase of new clothing and shoes for every child selected (no toys or backpacks are funded). Our retailing partners contribute anywhere from 15-30% in store discounts, and since the program is exempt from taxes, every child receives $115 - $130 in new clothes.
There is NO administrative expense associated with Dress The Child. It is 100% volunteer staffed and operated, so every penny of donated funds goes to dressing children!
Our goal...
Dress The Child originated in 1986 by a handful of Las Cruces Rotarians which recognized that a need existed. The first year, 15 children received clothing. In 2013, the program “dressed” 512 children. Over its 26 years in operation, literally thousands of children have received new clothes.
We have set an ambitious goal of 'dressing' 525 children this year! This means we need to raise $52,500.
We have set an ambitious goal of 'dressing' 525 children this year! This means we need to raise $52,500.