Community Events & Programs
Community Engagement is a top priority of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Reducing crime, making neighborhoods safer, and improving the quality of life, in general, for all of our citizens can only be accomplished through partnerships and team efforts. Join the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for any of the events listed below.
“Christmas in July" Carnival and Backpack Giveaway
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, AT&T Pioneers, and community partners are proud to host the annual Christmas in July Carnival and Backpack Giveaway each year. Join us again in the summer of 2024.
Saturday, July 27th, 2024
10:00am to 1:00pm
Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (2680 E. 9th Street, Reno, NV 89512)
FREE for all Washoe County youth in need.
Just in time for the school year, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office provides roughly 1200+ students from the Washoe County area with backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, resources, lunch, and a little fun in the sun! Students from pre-kindergarten through high school will be welcome to enjoy games, awesome law enforcement displayes, free goodies, resources, and plenty of treats. Distribution will be on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last; one per child. Parents must be accompanied by their student; students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Sponsors, booths/mobile vans, donations, and volunteers are welcome! Please contact us today.
Questions or looking to get involved? Contact the WCSO Community Engagement Office at (775) 785-6228 or SO-OutreachPrograms@washoecounty.gov.
Thank you to our incredible partners that make this event possible: Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association, AT&T Pioneers Volunteer Network, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, GGRM Law Firm, Toys for Tots, Katie Grace Foundation, Reno Aces, Jakks Pacific, Liberty Dental, and Grassroots Books.
Shop with the Sheriff
For the past 20 years the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association have partnered to assist less fortunate youth in our community during the Holiday Season.
One night each year at a local Walmart, The "Shop with the Sheriff" Event pairs children who are referred by local non-profit agencies and the Washoe County School District’s Homeless and Transition Program, with volunteers from the Sheriff's Office and the community for a once in a lifetime shopping trip where they can purchase items for themselves and/or members of their family.
For the last four years, The Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association has provided funding for 250+ children to participate.
Each selected non-profit and applicable school may refer up to 10 eligible participants (first come, first serve), so we ask that their priority are those children most critically in need. Only one child per family will be selected to participate each year, with no duplications year to year.
Elementary School Outreach Deputy Program
Elementary School Outreach Deputies are expected to serve as ambassadors and mentors to their respective school(s) and community. Working partnerships between law enforcement and the community we serve are the bedrock of efficient service, trust, and improving our social quality of life. Our current Partners in Education are: Sun Valley E.S., Esther Bennett E.S., Lois Allen E.S., Virginia Palmer E.S., and Incline Village E.S.
ES Outreach Deputies must dedicate at least 12 hours per month/72 hours per year at their assigned school. They are tasked with helping to create safety messaging, help with homework and reading assignments, help principal and team members schedule and participate in community outreach events, give presentations and provide hands-on assistance to assigned school(s).
WCSO Community Resource Fairs
Sheriff Balaam and his staff believe that the Sheriff’s Office plays an important role in helping those in need connect with agencies that provide essential services necessary for success. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to bringing many of these agencies together in one place, at one time, in order to provide resources to our community by hosting Community Resource Fairs.
Why: The Community Resource Fair will feature vendors representing local resources from healthcare providers, to substance use, mental health specific programs, and more. The fair will support the WCSO’s efforts to build trust and create partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. The day will bring community partners together, provide useful information and feature raffle prizes for attendees! We hope you will join us at the fair.
”No Shave” Campaign
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office staff have donated more than $66,000 to local good causes by taking part in the Sheriff’s “No Shave” campaign over the past three years. We put down the razors to raise money for a variety of causes during the months of October - January.
The “No Shave” campaign is open to all Sheriff’s Office staff on a month-by-month basis. In exchange for a monthly charitable donation, Sheriff Balaam authorizes male deputies to grow facial hair outside standard grooming policy. Female deputies are authorized to have relaxed hair standards and civilians may either take advantage of the relaxed grooming standards, or wear jeans or hats.
So if you come across a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputy with a well-groomed beard or goatee, know that he is growing it for a good cause.