GODFREY - The 18th annual Christmas in July fundraiser is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 24, 2026, at Freer Auto Body at 4512 N. Alby St., Godfrey, with organizers seeking raffle ticket sellers to support local families in need through purchases that fund personal hygiene items, coats, and toys for Christmas.
Margaret Freer, an owner of Freer Auto Body, said the Christmas in July event relies heavily on raffle ticket sales, noting that “the majority of the money is made from the sale of raffle tickets.”
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Freer said proceeds stay local: “Every penny made stays right here in our area helping families in need with personal hygiene items, coats, and toys for Christmas.”
Freer said raffle tickets may be picked up at Freer Auto Body starting May 5, or delivered if needed. Tickets can also be requested by calling (618) 466-6151, Freer said.
“I need ticket sellers,” Freer said. “What great prizes for a great cause. The community truly makes the event a success. We organize and get it together, but the community makes it happen.”
Prizes for top raffle ticket sellers include St. Louis Cardinals tickets donated by local businesses, according to information provided by Freer. They include four green seats for the July 25, 2026, Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds game in Section 6, Row E, Seats 9-12, donated by Regions Bank; four Home Plate Field Box seats for the Aug. 29, 2026, Cardinals vs. Pirates game at 1:15 p.m.; and four seats for the Aug. 27, 2026, Cardinals vs. Orioles game in Section 153, Row 5, Seats 1-4, donated by SWMW Law.
Freer said the agencies that benefit from the fundraiser are expected to help promote the event and assist with selling raffle tickets.
Additional fundraising efforts are planned in the lead-up to the event.
Freer said Bakers & Hale will host a dine-to-donate on July 19, with a portion of the proceeds going to Christmas in July. “They do this every year and sell raffle tickets too,” Freer said.
Freer also said Brown Bag Bistro and Shivers are working on a promotion to benefit the fundraiser.
“I truly would like all local businesses to get involved, whether it is selling raffle tickets, making a donation, or coming by for a sloppy joe,” Freer said. “It takes a village, and we are blessed to live in such a caring and generous community.”
