The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), in partnership with the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WCHDSA) and our many generous community partners, is proud to host the 8th Annual Christmas in July Back-to-School Event. As families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, more than 1,200 students from across Northern Nevada will receive FREE backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials.
Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day with carnival games, interactive displays, community resource booths, and the opportunity to meet Sheriff Balaam, deputies, and members of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Specialty units, including SWAT, Search and Rescue, Motors, and more, will showcase their vehicles and equipment throughout the event.
Event Details:
What: 8th Annual Christmas in July Back-to-School Event
Who: Students from Pre-K through high school
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, 2680 East Ninth Street, Reno, NV 89512
This community event is FREE for families in need. No registration is required. Backpack distribution is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A parent or guardian must accompany students.
First launched in 2019, Christmas in July has grown from serving 265 children to one of the region’s largest back-to-school outreach events. Made possible by the generous support of the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Silver State AT&T Pioneers, Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Toys for Tots, and numerous community partners, the event provides school supplies, books, meals, giveaways, and free onsite services to help local students start the school year prepared for success.
Resource Booths in Attendance
- Access to Healthcare Network
- Alpine Academy
- American Red Cross
- Asian Community Development Council
- AT&T
- Awaken
- Be SMART Northern Nevada
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
- Black Wall Street
- CareSource
- Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada
- Community Service Agency
- Costco Wholesale, Sparks NV
- Division of Social Services
- Doctoroo
- Food Bank of Northern Nevada
- Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
- Join Together Northern Nevada
- Karen Monrreal Law
- Liberty Dental Plan
- Molina Healthcare of Nevada
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Nevada Cancer Coalition
- Nevada Health Authority
- Nevada Health Link / Silver State Health Insurance Exchange
- Northern Nevada Barber Academy
- Quest Counseling
- Safe Routes to School
- Sam’s Club
- School for a Beautiful Life
- Silver Summit Health Plan
- Small Smiles Dentistry
- Spread the Word Nevada
- The Children’s Cabinet
- TIP of Northern Nevada
- Washoe County District Attorney’s Office
- Washoe County Library System
- Washoe County Senior Services
- WCSO MOST
- WCSD Safe Routes to School
- and more!
