<\/strong>Clothe Our Kids began with Laura Mayer and Shelley Lyon. According to the organization\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2011packed 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A PASSING OF THE TORCH \u201cOnce 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?\u201d said Reynolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her dedication grew year after year until Lyon and Mayer approached her about taking over the organization, which Reynolds said was \u201can absolute yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was a little nervous initially, because it\u2019s not a little thing to take over an organization that does so much and is beloved in the community,\u201d she added. \u201cI\u2019m still learning, but I love our mission, and I\u2019m willing to learn and keep the mission going strong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n HOW IT WORKS \u201cWe work directly with schools,\u201d explained Reynolds. \u201cSchool 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process is confidential. Counselors contact families, confirm the need, and submit a request through the organization\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reynolds said she and her volunteers take pride in selecting items that will truly excite each child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI just love going through our donations and picking out really good outfits, especially something that I think a child would be excited about,\u201d she said. \u201cWe want them to feel good about themselves. We want them to walk into school with confidence, and that starts with what you\u2019re wearing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children can receive clothing each season \u2014 back\u2011to\u2011school, fall, winter, and beyond. Requests often begin in July as families prepare for the new school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP \u201cWhat 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,\u201d she explained. \u201cDonations 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 \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She added that she is grateful for the way Lincoln County rallies its children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/2-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/strong>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\u2019s co-founder, Shelly Lyon, and her family. As she learned more about the organization, she felt drawn to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/3-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/strong>Clothe Our Kids works through counselors, teachers, foster groups, and Department of Children\u2019s Services caseworkers, who see children daily and know when support is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/4-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/strong>Reynolds said what keeps her inspired is the generosity she sees every time she walks into the warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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