A CHILD’S CONFIDENCE can begin with something as simple as clothing. Shoes that fit, a warm coat, or a shirt they feel proud of can shape how they walk into a classroom and how they see themselves.
For many children, clothing is a first layer of dignity and belonging, helping them stand taller and participate more freely. That belief drives Clothe Our Kids, a Fayetteville nonprofit that provides essential clothing to at-risk children through community donations and dedicated volunteers who want every child to feel valued.
“Everyone feels good in a nice outfit,” said Director Sarah Reynolds. “You know, when you’ve got a nice outfit on, it just changes your mood. It puts a smile on your face and gives you confidence.”
A MISSION BUILT ON LOVE AND COMMUNITY
Clothe Our Kids began with Laura Mayer and Shelley Lyon. According to the organization’s website, the two women, who were also mothers, felt called to help children in need and decided to respond. Founded in 2013, the two women began operations out of the attic of a garage. While starting with humble beginnings, word of the organization quickly spread as it helped clothe children not only in Lincoln County, but also in surrounding counties. To accommodate the growing need, the organization expanded to a 3,500-square-foot warehouse in downtown Fayetteville.
Clothe Our Kids operates entirely through community donations of clothing and financial support. School counselors and caseworkers reach out when a child needs help, and each clothing bag is custom‑packed with quality items chosen specifically for that child. Their goal is simple: to help children feel loved, cared for, and confident. Today, the organization serves Lincoln County, with some assistance also provided in Coffee and Franklin counties.
A PASSING OF THE TORCH
Today, the organization is led by Sarah Reynolds, who began volunteering with Clothe Our Kids in 2015. At the time, she was working seasonally at Lyon Family Farm, owned by the organization’s co-founder, Shelly Lyon, and her family. As she learned more about the organization, she felt drawn to help.
“Once I got into it, I found myself helping more and more, and I fell in love with what we were doing. It is such a great mission. How could you not want to help?” said Reynolds.
Her dedication grew year after year until Lyon and Mayer approached her about taking over the organization, which Reynolds said was “an absolute yes.”
“I was a little nervous initially, because it’s not a little thing to take over an organization that does so much and is beloved in the community,” she added. “I’m still learning, but I love our mission, and I’m willing to learn and keep the mission going strong.”
HOW IT WORKS
Clothe Our Kids works through counselors, teachers, foster groups, and Department of Children’s Services caseworkers, who see children daily and know when support is needed.
“We work directly with schools,” explained Reynolds. “School counselors put in the requests. Teachers and counselors are on the front line. They see them every day and can help us get them what they need.”
The process is confidential. Counselors contact families, confirm the need, and submit a request through the organization’s website. They provide sizes, clothing preferences, and note any sensory issues. Volunteers fill orders every Wednesday, and the bags are delivered discreetly to the schools.
Reynolds said she and her volunteers take pride in selecting items that will truly excite each child.
“I just love going through our donations and picking out really good outfits, especially something that I think a child would be excited about,” she said. “We want them to feel good about themselves. We want them to walk into school with confidence, and that starts with what you’re wearing.”
Children can receive clothing each season — back‑to‑school, fall, winter, and beyond. Requests often begin in July as families prepare for the new school year.
A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP
Reynolds said what keeps her inspired is the generosity she sees every time she walks into the warehouse.
“What keeps me coming back to Clothe Our Kids is what I see every time I walk in. The bins are filled with shoes, socks, underwear, and clothing,” she explained. “Donations keep coming in, and people step up with sock drives, clothing drives, and shoe drives to help children they may never even meet. In those moments, you see Fayetteville — you see the heart of this town. This is who we are. We may be a small town, but we take care of each other, and being part of that is something I truly want to continue doing.”
She added that she is grateful for the way Lincoln County rallies its children.
“I’m just very thankful that our small community of Lincoln County can clothe all these kids,” she said. “It really shows their love and willingness to help those in need. Everyone’s got an incredible heart for these kids, and I just love it.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Clothe Our Kids has grown tremendously, but Reynolds sees even more potential.
“When I think about where Clothe Our Kids will be in two years, I hope to see it continue to grow,” she said. “My goal is to get the word out so that more children who truly need help can access the resources we provide. I want schools and community partners to know we are here, so children who need assistance don’t fall through the cracks.” GN
For more information on the organization, visit online at clotheourkids.com.
