GODFREY - Freer Auto Body was once again bustling as community members gathered for Christmas in July.
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From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 24, 2026, community members could stop by Freer Auto Body in Godfrey for a sloppy joe lunch and to enter a raffle for major prizes. All proceeds from Christmas in July will go toward Community Christmas, a local initiative that aims to supply families with toys, clothes, food, hygiene items and more during the holiday season.
“It’s just super exciting,” said Taylor Freer, who helped conceptualize the Christmas in July event at age 5. “Just to see how it's grown over the years has been really cool.”
For a donation, community members could receive a sloppy joe and chips. They could donate further for a slice of cheesecake made by Margaret Freer or a cookie from Ginger Bean Bakery.
Raffle tickets were available for $10 and offered prizes ranging from seven-night stays in Florida, Alabama and South Carolina, Cardinals green seats, a side of beef, and $3,500 or $1,000 cash.
Margaret thanked the many people who donated raffle prizes, including Alton Elite, Axalta Coatings and PRS, Rhonda and Jim Halford, Jayne and John Simmons, and Tiffany and Shane Seiler. The top three sellers sold hundreds of tickets and will receive Cardinal tickets as prizes, which were also donated.
Margaret noted that the Christmas in July fundraiser would not be possible without these donors.
“I can’t thank the donors enough. I couldn’t do this without so much help,” she said. “It helps so many people.”
Community leaders Steve and John Schwegel volunteered to help serve lunch this year. Steve emphasized his excitement to be a part of the cause.
“You can’t say no to Margaret. And anything that I've ever had in my life that I’ve reached out about, she never says no to me,” he laughed. “We love being here. This is a great cause, and we couldn’t be more happy to help.”
The Freers will also host their Cookies and Cocoa Toy Drive later this year, though the auto body shop accepts donations for Community Christmas year-round. Last year, they raised $76,000 for the cause. The team thanked the community for their support to make their fundraisers successful.
Taylor added that the goal is to help those in need, and she is proud of her community for their willingness to go above and beyond for their neighbors.
“I have always felt like it takes a village to shape someone to who they are today, and that’s why I find it so rewarding to get back to Alton and the surrounding areas,” she added. “I do feel like my home has really made me to be who I am today.”
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