Tutti Bambini adds space, hours to benefit more children

Tutti Bambini is making some big changes as it continues its mission to help children challenged by poverty and special needs.

The nonprofit, which sells gently used children’s clothing, stuffed animals and toys, books, furniture and more, is adding additional retail space and storage at its store at 300 El Molina Blvd., thanks to donations of materials and labor from Las Cruces builder John Strain of LMS Construction and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

With those additions, Tutti Bambini will be able to create an in-store children’s space, which will offer bi-weekly programming for children in both English and Spanish.

And, Tutti Bambini is now open five days a week and has longer hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Tuesday and Sunday.

Jeanne Kinsella, who has been Tutti Bambini’s store manager for the past three years, has been promoted to director of operations. Tutti Bambini founder Sister Beth is the director of development, which includes public relations and fundraising.

One thing that has not changed is Tutti Bambini’s mission to help children in need. After all, that’s what its name means in English: “all children.”

With the money raised by in-store sales, fundraisers and donations, Tutti Bambini supports many local organizations that serve at-risk children, including the Children’s Reading Alliance, Asombro Institute for Science Education, La Mesa Lion’s Club, Shows of Grace (which provides support to families during childbirth) and Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHH).

Tutti also provides in-store vouchers for children’s clothing to children and families service by a wide range of local organizations. It has provided desks, chairs and maps for school-aged children in MVHH’s new Las Cruces homes for many years.

Tutti Bambini often features seasonal clothing items. For example, it has Halloween costumes for children on sale now, and has many Halloween-themed stuffed animals. It also has a large fall and winter clothing inventory.

How you can help

Tutti Bambini needs donations of children’s clothing, including clothing in sizes 2T-8, all sizes of coats and heavy jackets, pajamas and clothes for ages nine months and older and new and gently used toys for Christmas.

Sister Beth said Tutti Bambini would also welcome sponsors for families in need for Christmas.

Cash donations are also welcome.

Look for a Tutti Bambini fundraising golf tournament on the last Friday in February 2023.

Tutti Bambini opened its doors in 2013. Its founder, Sister Beth, also helped found Jardin de los Niños, the Las Cruces daycare and education program for homeless and near homeless children.

Tutti Bambini’s location, 300 El Molina Blvd., is near the intersection of Alameda Boulevard and Main Street. Look for the colorful Tutti Bambini sign above the entrance.

Call Tutti Bambini at 575-559752. Contact Sister Beth at 575-640-1997 and daddiosister@yahoo.com. Contact Jeanne Kinsella at kinsella1992@yahoo.com.

 Visit Tutti Bambini on Facebook and meetlascruces.com under shopping.