When Kelly Lauer turned 60, she found herself at a crossroads. Her four sons had grown up and moved away, leaving her wondering what came next. A symbolic white cane — meant to inspire her children to live boldly — would soon become the foundation for a nonprofit aimed at helping thousands of children in need find dignity through new clothes, shoes and hygiene items.
That foundation, originally known as the White Cane Foundation, is rebranded as Fitting Futures — a name that, in just two words, encapsulates the mission: to provide low-income students with not just clothing and hygiene essentials, but also confidence, dignity and the chance to envision a brighter future.
From family tradition to community movement
Inspired by a music video showing a blind man hanging up his cane and stepping boldly into the world, Kelly and her husband, Dave, began a family tradition: They bought a white cane, and then each family member took turns hanging the symbolic white cane prominently as a daily reminder to push their boundaries.
When it was Kelly’s turn with the cane in 2018, a visit to The Little Bit Foundation in St. Louis lit the spark. Seeing how that foundation delivered new clothing directly to students in need within schools, Kelly and Dave said to each other, “Why not in Lincoln, Nebraska?”
She realized that her desire to support her own family’s growth could be extended to other children — especially those with fewer resources and greater challenges. The idea for The White Cane Foundation was born.
What began in 2019, helping 165 students at one elementary school, has now grown into a full-fledged nonprofit serving 2,510 children across 18 Title I schools during the 2024-25 school year. And this fall, they will add yet another school.
A bundle of joy, tailored with love
At the heart of Fitting Futures is the “bundle of joy” — a package containing two new pairs of pants, two tops, socks, underwear, a pair of shoes, a hygiene kit and a coat if needed. But it’s not just about the items. Every bundle is delivered personally with a trained volunteer and school representative who help the child pick out and try on their new clothes in a private, respectful setting. It's a moment of dignity and joy, filled with encouragement and attention that they might not otherwise receive.
“The magic happens after they come out of the fitting tent and look in the mirror,” Kelly said. “You see their faces light up! It’s not just the clothes; it’s how they feel in them. That confidence sticks.”
If that’s not evidence enough of impact, Dave points people to their survey results. “Our surveys of teachers and staff each semester tell us clearly that we are having a positive impact on attitude, attendance and achievement.”
More than clothes, it’s presence
Fitting Futures doesn’t just hand out items and walk away. Volunteers offer what Kelly calls “a listening ear.” Each interaction lasts about 20 minutes — a focused, compassionate time that makes the student feel seen and heard.
She recalls one boy who came in with his siblings. He was the eldest and quietly took charge of helping his younger brothers and sisters. “He hugged me before he left and said, ‘I can’t wait to see my mom’s face. She works so hard.’ That moment reminded me — we’re not just helping kids. We’re helping families.”
She recalls another student who looked at her new toothbrush and said, “You mean I don’t have to share now?”
“We’re present. That’s what matters,” Kelly said. “A child walks in, unsure of what is about to happen. In the 20 minutes we spend sharing and chatting, we notice a little more confidence as each child leaves, holding their head a little higher. Twenty minutes just for them!”
Kelly then shared a quote she loves: ‘We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that they are someone today.’ That’s what Fitting Futures is about.”
The future of Fitting Futures
The Lauers and their team aren’t slowing down. Their dream? To expand Fitting Futures into all of Lincoln’s schools — public, private and parochial. Every child who needs support should be able to receive it.
But big dreams require big support. With rising costs, tariffs and supply chain challenges, financial contributions are more critical than ever. Fitting Futures sources clothing from wholesale distributors in Las Vegas, stretching every dollar to ensure quality and quantity. Volunteers are equally vital, from fitting children to driving deliveries and organizing inventory.
“So many people want to do something to help kids,” Kelly said. “But if you do it on your own, it’s going to cost more. We’ve got the connections to the schools. We have the connection to off-price retailers. So giving money to us helps us clothe more students and makes a difference for these kids.”
Joy is contagious
The ripple effect of Fitting Futures is felt far beyond the fitting rooms. Teachers save money that might otherwise be spent out of their own pockets trying to help students in need. Volunteers find deep purpose. Communities see what’s possible when compassion meets action.
“I never set out to be an executive director,” Kelly said. “But this work has become my life’s mission. And the funny thing is — I’ve grown, too. We started this for our kids. Turns out, I needed it just as much as they did.”
As she often reminds their team, “It’s 20 minutes per child. Multiply that by 2,500. That’s the power of presence.”
And that’s the heart of Fitting Futures — one child, one bundle, one fitting at a time.
For more information and to learn how you can support Fitting Futures, visit fittingfutures.org.
