Helping Children get new clothes since 1984

improving their self esteem, acedemic sucess and quality of life! We help clothe needy children.

Our Team

Dress the Child is run by a small number of core volunteers along with our friends at the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club that are committed to helping children in need. Combined with the greater Dona Ana County community, hundreds of children receive new clothing and shoes each year.

Our History

Founded in 1984, by Doug Rains together with a hand-full of Rotarians and dedicated community leaders, they recognized that a need in our community existed. The first year, (15) children received new clothes. With a record (627) children receiving clothing in 2018, Dress the Child has helped thousands of children since its inception.

Our Mission

Dress the Child provides new clothing and shoes to Dona Ana County children living in poverty. Many of these children have never had new clothes and have never had the opportunity to shop for clothing that is appealing to them. We believe that new clothes can improve a child’s self worth, stimulate improved scholastic success and result in a better quality of life.

DONATE THROUGH PAYPAL

Contributions of any amount are gladly accepted! Your support and contributions will enable us to “dress” more children. We are 100% volunteer operated with no (zero) administrative expenses. Every penny of every dollar donated goes to buying clothing and shoes for a very deserving child. Thank you so much for your kind contribution!

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What we do

Children selected by their schools sign-in to go shopping. Las Cruces Public Schools & Gadsden Schools select children with the highest level of need.

Volunteers line-up to take children shopping. Many of the children receiving clothing have never shopped for clothes and need a little help.

For many of these kids, getting to pick their clothes is a big deal! Typically, they get hand-me-downs which may be worn and have stains.

Volunteers help the kids pick out new shoes that are school appropriate, the right size, and that fit into the allotted budget.

After the shopping takes place, checking out can get a little crazy. Dress the Child events typically “dress” between 100 and 150 children.

After shopping, children take home large bags of clothes and sometimes balloons. We fund $100 per child but discounts up the amount to $125-$150.