Every year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office comes together with children from all across the county to create a truly special Christmas experience. This event, held on December 19th, has been a tradition for 15 years and brings joy to the lives of many economically disadvantaged families.

"Spreading Christmas Cheer through Shopping with the Sheriff"

History and Collaboration

The Shopping with the Sheriff event began 15 years ago when the sheriff’s office decided to separate from the Dixon Police Department’s Shop with a Cop after four years of successful collaboration. While the police department focuses on kids in Dixon, the sheriff’s office extends its reach to cover children across Lee County. This shows the commitment of the sheriff’s office to serve the entire community.

Over the years, this event has grown in popularity and has become an important part of the Christmas season for many families. It provides a much-needed boost to those in need and shows that there is kindness and support within the community.

Selection Process

Children are chosen for the program based on a list compiled by Goodfellows of Lee County, along with referrals from schools, community organizations, and deputies who encounter families in need during their daily duties. The recommendations start gathering in early October, but being on the list does not guarantee participation as the program aims to rotate shoppers each year to give as many kids a chance as possible.

This ensures that every child has an equal opportunity to enjoy the shopping experience and receive Christmas gifts. It is a testament to the fairness and inclusivity of the program.

Shopping Sessions and Activities

There are two shopping sessions held during the event. The first session meets at McDonald’s in Dixon for breakfast before heading to Walmart for shopping. The second session meets in the afternoon at the Dixon High School cafeteria, where Angelo’s Pizza provides lunch. These activities not only provide a fun day out for the children but also help them build relationships with the deputies and other emergency personnel.

In addition to the shopping, this year the sheriff’s office also hosted a new event in Amboy - glow-in-the-dark bingo. This event facilitated a significant amount of funds for the program and was made possible through the generous donations of Amboy Shell gas station and Johnson Oil Co. in Rock Falls, who recently donated $4,995. Nancy and Chuck Plock also kindly donated money for the meals.

Volunteer Support

The sheriff’s office receives valuable help from Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program. Students earn their volunteer hours by wrapping presents that the children pick out. This not only helps the local students pay for their tuition but also adds an extra touch of care to the gifts.

It is through the combined efforts of the sheriff’s office, the community, and the volunteers that this event is able to run smoothly and bring so much happiness to the children.

Donations can be made to Shopping with the Sheriff year-round by calling the sheriff’s office at 815-284-5217 during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of these children.