A mule-drawn wagon picked-up denim donations from a hand-full of Reno businesses Saturday. The Reno Rodeo Foundation was able to deliver about a thousand pairs of jeans to local abused or neglected children. Organizers say more than five-thousand pairs of socks and underwear were also collected during the drive. The kids are being cared for by the residential Kids Kottage, McGee Center for Adolescent Services and Washoe County Social Services.

"Kids that are in protective custody literally arrive with nothing but the clothing on their backs so to be able to offer them socks, underwear and stylish clothing, you know, that they can wear to school and feel comfortable and confident... it's great holiday experience, but it's also something that benefits these kids year round," Marie Baxter, executive director of the Rodeo Foundation said.

The Rodeo Foundation says the clothing not handed out Saturday will be distributed to foster families next month and to kids in protective custody throughout the year. The children even received stuffed animals thanks to Kohl's department stores. Thousands of dollars donated went toward buying even more clothing.

The Rodeo's executive director says it can still accept a few last minute donations. Click 'hot topics' at the top right of this page for more information.