Christmas in July: Give Warmth & Joy through Shop with the Sheriff 

Posted July 22, 2025
Posted by Sheriff's Office and Public Relations

Pottawattamie County, Iowa — Even though the holidays may feel far away, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office is already preparing to make the season brighter and warmer for local children in need. 

From Tuesday July 22 through Thursday, July 31, the Sheriff’s Office invites you to take part in our first-ever Christmas in July campaign to support the annual Shop with the Sheriff program. Shop with the Sheriff, held each November, pairs children from across the county with Sheriff’s Deputies for a shopping trip to pick out much-needed winter essentials like coats, boots, and sneakers, and a few items from their holiday wish lists, too. 

Your support of Shop with the Sheriff helps children experience the holidays with dignity and joy, while also building a positive connection with local law enforcement. 

During Christmas in July, you can make a donation online or visit one of the decorated trees in the courthouse or participating county buildings. Each tree is filled with tags showing suggested donation amounts and a QR code to take you directly to the donation site. 

We want to help you see exactly how your gift makes an impact during the Shop with the Sheriff event, so we’ve broken down the donation tiers based on the most frequently purchased items: 

• $20: Toy 

• $30: Boots 

• $40: Sneakers 

• $50: Winter coat 

• $100: Complete outfit with shoes 

• $200: Two complete outfits + coat 

• $300: Fully sponsors one child 

• Other: Every dollar helps! 

We also welcome recurring donations from those able to make an ongoing impact — helping ensure this program is funded year-round and ready to serve as many children as possible. 

Thank you for helping us bring warmth, joy, and connection to the children of Pottawattamie County. Together, we can make this season brighter for everyone. 

Donate today at pottia.gov/ChristmasInJuly