How we impact our local communities
Which schools do we serve?
We partner with Community Learning Center (CLC) Elementary Schools in Lincoln where a high percentage of students live below the poverty level. We're growing quickly, and now serve 18 of the highest-need schools in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a 19th (Meadow Lane) set for Fall 2025!
What's in the package we provide our students?
- 2 pairs of pants
- 2 shirts/tops
- 2 pairs of socks and underwear
- 1 pair of shoes
- Hygiene kit
- Jacket or coat if needed
How much need is there?
Here's an illustration of our growth: in 2019-2020, we provided packages of NEW clothing, shoes, and hygiene products to 165 students at one elementary school. Fast forward to today, and we're projected to provide over 5,000 packages to over 2,500 students by the end of the 2024-25 school year! Despite this rapid growth, there are thousands more kids that need our help.
To continue our mission of love in helping these students, we need support from caring people more than ever.
How are the kids chosen?
Each school has an assigned liaison who identifies their students in need and submits weekly information about each child selected to participate in our program. Each identified student can go through the program twice per year because seasons change and children grow!
How do we ensure the clothing and shoes fit?
Volunteers (thank goodness for them!) make weekly deliveries to each school with the new clothing we provide. They meet one-on-one with students in that school's pre-selected area, where the children can “shop” as if they were in a store — in a way that provides privacy and dignity. We encourage and spend time with the students while ensuring an accurate fit.
How do the kids feel and react?
It's amazing to see the pride in their eyes as they look at their reflection in the mirror staring back at them, with their new clothes on. This is when the magic happens, and it's why we call these "bundles of joy." The student then leaves with their bundle of joy: two new pairs of pants and tops, one new pair of tennis shoes, two new pairs of socks and underwear, miscellaneous hygiene items, and a coat if needed.
How it all started
We started this foundation because we felt inspired to do more. We know kids are attending school and their ability to do their very best could be greatly enhanced with brand new clothing outfits to wear to school. People have come forward with great effort and passion within our community to bridge the gap for these students and be a source of positive light in their lives.
People often ask us, why the name “The White Cane Foundation?” In 2013 our family watched the music video “Lover of the Light” by Mumford & Sons. In it, a blind man leaves his white cane at home and goes out into the world with only his senses and intuition guiding him. It inspired our family to challenge each other to go out into the world and share the light. For us, that inspiration is an actual white cane that rotates between family members, symbolizing the importance of being the very best person we each can be. The cane is left at the front door each day as a reminder. We want that same motivation for our students in Lincoln.
We encourage you to watch the official music video here. Be the light!
~ Dave and Kelly Lauer
